UN says 22 killed in youth-led protests in Madagascar

At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in youth-led anti-government unrest in Madagascar, the United Nations has said.

The UN human rights office blamed a “violent response” by security forces for many of the deaths. The protests, which began on Thursday over water and power shortages, quickly spread across the island nation of 31 million people.

According to the UN, the demonstrations started peacefully but security forces used excessive force, including tear gas, beatings, mass arrests and live ammunition. Some of the deaths were also linked to looting and gang violence not connected to the protests.

Thousands of young people have continued to take to the streets in the capital Antananarivo and other cities, defying a night-time curfew. Demonstrator are demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and new elections.

President Rajoelina has dismissed his energy minister and visited one of Antananarivo’s poorest districts, promising that his government would “focus on protecting and improving the lives of the people”.

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