Authorities in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on September 25, 2025, after protests over chronic power outages and water shortages turned violent. The curfew, effective from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., was announced by General Angelo Ravelonarivo, who leads the city’s joint police and military security unit, as reported by Reuters.
The unrest erupted when hundreds of demonstrators defied a ban on public gatherings, demanding reliable electricity and clean water supply. Protesters carried placards reading “water and electricity are basic human needs” and “Malagasy people, wake up,” according to local media reports.
The demonstrations escalated into looting and arson, with a major shopping mall set ablaze and the homes of two lawmakers attacked and looted. Security forces responded with teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, eyewitnesses told Reuters.
“There are unfortunately individuals taking advantage of the situation to destroy other people’s property,” General Ravelonarivo said in a televised statement, adding that the curfew was necessary “to protect the population and their belongings until public order is restored.”
The violent unrest underscores public frustration with President Andry Rajoelina’s government, re-elected in 2023, over the lack of essential infrastructure. Figures from the World Bank highlight that around 75% of Madagascar’s population lives below the poverty line, a backdrop that has intensified anger over deteriorating living conditions.
