Madagascar has repeated power outages and cuts to household water supplies. The state-owned company Jirama produces and distributes electricity and drinking water, but damaged facilities, low dry-season water levels and underperforming dams have reduced service. Some districts of Antananarivo get only three hours of electricity per day and people wait one to three hours for small amounts of water.
In September 2025 the Generation Z movement "Leo Délestage" used social media to call peaceful protests. On September 25 many people gathered in Antananarivo even after a planned protest was banned. Security forces fired tear gas and made arrests. After nightfall looting and vandalism spread, and Analamanga police set a curfew from 7 pm to 5 am. Reports give different casualty counts, and on September 26 a university student in Antsiranana was shot and killed by police. On September 27 President Andry Rajoelina dismissed the Energy Minister Olivier Jean Baptiste, but protests continued.
Difficult words
- protest — A public event where people show their thoughts.protests, protesters
- electricity — Power to run lights and machines.
- water — Clear liquid we drink and use.
- social media — Websites for sharing information and connecting.
- injury — Harm done to a person.injuries
- situation — A condition or state of things.
- clash — A fight or conflict between people.clashes
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think protests are important for people's rights?
- How do you think social media affects protests today?
- What could be done to improve the situation in Madagascar?
Related articles
Tool that Reorders X Feed Reduces Partisan Rancor
Researchers built a browser extension that scans an X feed for antidemocratic and partisan posts and reorders them without removing content or platform cooperation. Tests during the 2024 election showed small but measurable improvements in attitudes toward the other party.
Khaled Khella shows hidden struggles
Khaled Khella is an independent Egyptian filmmaker whose short films examine desire, power and everyday survival. He gained international attention with festival-screened shorts and the film "Egyptian Misery" and continues to address urgent social issues.
AI to stop tobacco targeting young people
At a World Conference in Dublin (23–25 June), experts said artificial intelligence can help stop tobacco companies targeting young people online. They warned social media and new nicotine products draw youth into addiction, and poorer countries carry the heaviest burden.
