The president also assured that he will take measures to recover businesses affected by looting, after imposing a curfew last week in response to violent demonstrations, sparked by problems with various services such as water and electricity.

Rajoelina addressed the nation the day before, after clashes between protesters and police left more than 20 dead and dozens injured.

For his part, the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, criticized the violent repression against protesters and called on Malagasy authorities to abandon the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force. He also called for the release of the detained protesters.

Andry Rajoelina won the 2023 elections for a third term with 59% of the vote, according to the electoral commission of this Indian Ocean island state located southeast of the African continent.

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