Esther Imonmion
Antananarivo was once again engulfed in tension on Wednesday, as police stepped up their presence to disperse ongoing demonstrations demanding President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation.
Security forces locked down the city centre, preventing protesters from reaching Democracy Square in Ambohijatovo. Witnesses reported the use of tear gas, with demonstrators fleeing through nearby alleys.
“What’s happening now is that we want to go to Democracy Square in Ambohijatovo, and we’re being blocked here. They’re firing tear gas at us, and people are fleeing through the small alleys. The police are still here, in large numbers,” one protester told Africanews.
On Tuesday, protesters had successfully occupied Democracy Square, but by Wednesday the site was deserted. Demonstrators and journalists present condemned what they described as an attack on their freedom of speech.
The protests, driven largely by Gen Z activists, began on Thursday in response to worsening water and power shortages. The unrest intensified after President Rajoelina dismissed his government on Monday, a move widely seen as a failed attempt to calm public anger.
“We are not afraid. We’re here because we are ready to fight. We are not going to run away, we are ready to fight to the end,” another protester said.
Meanwhile, allies of the president have taken to social media, urging his supporters to rally in defence of Rajoelina.