Antananarivo-Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced on Monday that he is dissolving his government, following days of nationwide protests led by young people against persistent water shortages and electricity blackouts.

“We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them,” Rajoelina said in a televised address. He confirmed that the prime minister and cabinet had been dismissed and that applications for a new premier would be accepted over the next three days.

The protests, known as the “Gen-Z movement,” began last Thursday in the capital Antananarivo under the slogan “We want to live, not survive.” They have since spread to at least eight cities. Demonstrators are demanding lasting solutions to power cuts and water problems, as well as broader political change.

The United Nations has condemned what it described as excessive force by security forces, reporting at least 22 people killed and over 100 injured. The UN rights chief Volker said he was “shocked” by reports of live ammunition, beatings, and mass arrests, urging the immediate release of detained protesters. Madagascar’s foreign ministry rejected the UN figures, calling them “based on rumours or misinformation.”

A dusk to dawn curfew was imposed in Antananarivo amid incidents of looting and violence. Some legislators’ homes were reportedly attacked, though the Gen-Z movement claims hired groups were behind the destruction to discredit the protests.

Rajoelina said he wanted to open dialogue with the youth, acknowledging their anger and frustration. A banner at one protest read: “We don’t want trouble, we just want our rights.”

Since independence in 1960, Madagascar has faced repeated political unrest, including the 2009 protests that forced then-president Marc Ravalomanana to step down, bringing Rajoelina to power. The current protests represent the strongest challenge to his rule since his third re-election in 2023.