LUSAKA, Zambia

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced Monday that he was dissolving the government following deadly youth-led protests that have rocked the Indian Ocean island nation since Thursday.

The UN said Monday that at least 22 people had been killed and more than 100 injured in demonstrations that have been inspired by the so-called “Gen-Z” protests in Kenya and Nepal.

“We acknowledge and apologize if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them; I understand the anger, sadness and difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems,” Rajoelina said in a televised address on state broadcaster Televiziona Malagasy (TVM) from Antananarivo, the capital.

The demonstrations are the largest Madagascar has seen in years and the most serious challenge Rajoelina has faced since his re-election in 2023. He said he wanted to create space for dialogue with young people who are angry with water shortages and power cuts. He promised interventions to support businesses affected by the looting.

“I heard the call, I felt the suffering; I understood the impact on daily life,” he added.

The UN high commissioner for human rights said casualties included protesters and bystanders killed by members of security forces, or in subsequent widespread violence and looting by individuals and gangs disassociated with the protesters.

The Foreign Ministry, however, rejected the UN casualty figures, saying the data did not come from competent national authorities and was based on ”rumors and misinformation”.

Protesters gathered at a university Monday, where they waved signs and attempted to march toward the city center but were dispersed by police that fired teargas at the crowd.