The government of Madagascar has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the country’s capital following violent protests over electricity outages and water shortage.
According to the government, the curfew will remain in place until public order is restored.
Hundreds of mostly young people took to the streets of Antananarivo despite a government ban, angry over persistent power outages and water shortages.
As they barricaded road with burning tyres and rocks, the police used rubber bullets and tear gas to quash the demonstrations.
By the afternoon there were reports of looting at various retailers, appliance stores, and banks across the capital.
Several stations of Madagascar’s new cable car system were also set on fire.
Reports on Thursday by local media said that three homes of politicians known to be close to President Andry Rajoelina were also attacked by protesters.
Hospital sources say at least five people were killed in the unrest, which quickly escalated into one of the biggest challenges faced by the president in years.
Security forces claim that bad actors are taking advantage of the demonstrations to destroy property, while legislators have tried to frame the movement as a plot.
Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries despite its vast natural resources, with 75 per cent of people living below the poverty line.
Power cuts often leave homes and businesses without electricity for over 12 hours.
Source:Africa Publicity
