The U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel advisory urging citizens to reconsider trips to Madagascar. The change comes in response to intensifying protests and widespread unrest that have triggered a violent government crackdown.
Escalating Protests
The wave of demonstrations began in the capital, Antananarivo, led primarily by younger citizens frustrated over ongoing power cuts and water shortages. Chants of “We want to live, not survive” echoed through the streets, reflecting deep public anger. Within days, the protests spread to at least eight other cities, underscoring the scale of dissatisfaction with the government.
Government Response
In reaction to the crisis, President Andry Rajoelina announced the dissolution of his government, acknowledging the failure to address the nation’s energy and water problems. In a televised statement, he admitted shortcomings and expressed regret to citizens, saying he understood the pain and frustration caused by repeated outages. Despite these words, demonstrations have only intensified, showing a clear disconnect between official promises and public trust.
Rising Casualties
The unrest has led to tragic consequences. At least 22 people have been confirmed dead, and hundreds more injured, many of them young protesters and bystanders. Reports indicate that security forces used rubber bullets, tear gas, and in some cases, live ammunition against the crowds. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with police and military units attempting to disperse gatherings through harsh measures. The violence has also led to looting and opportunistic attacks by individuals not directly involved in the protests.
International Condemnation
The United Nations has condemned the response as excessive and unnecessary. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed shock at the use of force and called for the immediate release of detained protesters. He urged authorities to avoid disproportionate actions and instead engage in meaningful dialogue. The UN further highlighted that among those killed were innocent bystanders caught in the violence, stressing the urgent need for accountability.
The U.S. Travel Advisory
In light of these developments, the U.S. has raised its travel warning for Madagascar to the “reconsider travel” level. The advisory warns that sporadic protests can erupt quickly, especially after dark, and that American citizens should avoid large gatherings, demonstrations, and government buildings. Travelers already in Madagascar are advised to shelter in place when unrest occurs and remain alert to updates. Such advisories are part of a tiered system designed to reflect changing conditions. While some countries are marked “exercise normal precautions,” others, such as Madagascar now, fall into higher categories reflecting real risks to travelers. The U.S. government stresses that safety must be prioritized above tourism or business interests.
Broader Context
The crisis in Madagascar is not isolated. It reflects broader challenges across parts of Africa, where infrastructure shortcomings, economic inequality, and political instability fuel unrest. The demonstrations, dubbed “Gen-Z protests” due to their youthful leadership, resemble similar youth-driven movements seen in Nepal and elsewhere, often organized rapidly through social media platforms.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will determine whether Madagascar’s leadership can stabilize the situation through reforms or negotiations, or whether unrest will escalate further. For now, travelers are urged to stay away, and citizens already present are advised to remain cautious. The events highlight both the fragility of basic infrastructure in developing nations and the power of youth-led movements to demand change, even at great personal risk.
