The youth-led protests were triggered by prolonged water and
power cuts in the Indian Ocean island.

Malagasy media showed images of police officers confronting
protesters in some cities.

Rajoelina fired his government last week in an attempt to
placate public anger but this has not satisfied the demonstrators.

They now demand that the 51-year-old leader join his
dissolved cabinet.

It is the most serious challenge Rajoelina has faced since
his re-election in 2023.

According to the United Nations (UN), at least 22 people
were killed and 100 others injured in the initial days of the protests.

Madagascar’s foreign ministry rejected the figures, saying
the data was “based on rumours or misinformation”.

A counter-protest aimed at garnering support for the
president failed to gather momentum on Sunday.

In a separate statement on Monday, the presidency said some
civil society organisations had met Rajoelina on Saturday. No details were
provided.

After sacking his cabinet, Rajoelina said he would listen to
the protester’s demands. But so far, the president has ignored calls for his
resignation.