Madagascar Police Fire Tear Gas as Protests Over Power, Water Cuts Turn Violent

Sele Media Africa Reported by Mafeng Gyang Adams

Madagascar Police Fire Tear Gas as Protests Over Power, Water Cuts Turn Violent

Antananarivo, Madagascar — September 25, 2025 Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, descended into chaos on Thursday as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse angry protesters demonstrating against persistent power and water outages. The unrest erupted after weeks of frustration over blackouts and dry taps in several neighborhoods, with residents accusing the government and utility providers of neglect and mismanagement. What began as a peaceful protest escalated when crowds blocked roads and reportedly attacked infrastructure linked to JIRAMA, the state utility company. Some demonstrators were seen looting shops, and at least two buildings were set on fire, according to eyewitnesses and local media. Security forces responded with heavy force, deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd near the city’s main market area. At least 15 people were injured, with some treated for tear gas exposure and others for wounds from projectiles. Authorities have not confirmed any arrests, but additional forces have been deployed to sensitive areas across the city. President Andry Rajoelina’s administration has urged calm, promising that “technical issues at power plants and water reservoirs” are being addressed. However, critics accuse the government of prioritizing political events over essential services.“People are angry because they feel abandoned. This has been going on for months,” said local activist Sahondra Ravalomanana in an interview with Le Monde Afrique. Madagascar, one of Africa’s poorest nations, has long struggled with infrastructure challenges, but the situation has worsened in 2025 due to climate related droughts, underinvestment in utilities, and alleged corruption in public contracts. Human rights organizations are calling for an independent investigation into the police response and urging authorities to restore essential services promptly to avoid further unrest.

Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor developments in Antananarivo and provide updates on the humanitarian and political fallout.

About The Author

Mafeng Gyang Adams

author

Mafeng Gyang Adams is a dedicated journalist and editorial strategist, serving as the News Editor at Sele Media Africa. With a sharp eye for headlines that matter and a passion for truth-driven storytelling, Mafeng leads the newsroom with clarity and purpose. He ensures that every report meets the highest editorial standards, delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news to audiences across Africa and beyond.

See author's posts