Madagascar imposes nighttime curfew after violent protests over water
and power cuts
[September 26, 2025]
By SARAH TÉTAUD
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — The government of the Indian Ocean
island of Madagascar on Thursday imposed a nighttime curfew following
protests, which saw police use rubber bullets and tear gas to quash
demonstrations over ongoing water and power cuts. |

Demonstrators hold up placards reading "water and electricity are basic
human rights," "Malagasy people, wake up," "Let's not remain in the dark
with our yellow cans" in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday, Sept. 25,
2025. (AP Photo/Sarah Tetaud) |
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets to voice their anger
over persistent power cuts, which often leave homes and
businesses without electricity for over 12 hours.
The protesters barricaded roads with burning tyres and rocks. By
Thursday afternoon there were reported incidents of looting at
various retailers, appliance stores and banks across the
capital.
Several stations of the country's new cable car system were also
set on fire.
Local media reported on Thursday that three homes of politicians
known to be close to President Nirina Rajoelina were also
attacked by protesters.
Police Chief Angelo Ravelonarivo announced that a nighttime
curfew from 7 p.m. on Thursday to 5 a.m. on Friday would be
strictly imposed until calm was restored.
According to Ravelonarivo, the decision was taken to better
protect the population.
“Water and electricity are basic human needs,” “Let us speak
out,” “Malagasy people, wake up" were some of the messages
displayed on the placards.
Some carried black flags featuring the One Piece skull logo — an
emblem of antiregime protests in Nepal in recent weeks — this
time topped with a traditional Malagasy hat.
It was unclear how many people were injured during the protests
or if there were any fatalities.
The protest movement, dominated mostly by the youth, started
gaining traction a few days ago on social media platforms,
mainly Facebook.
In the country’s provinces, unrest was also reported at the
offices of the national water and electricity company, which is
seen by protesters as the root of the country’s problems.
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