The African Union (AU) has expressed concern over violent protests in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, that have disrupted socio-economic activities.
In a statement on Sunday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf said he is closely monitoring the developments and regretted the destruction caused by the unrest.
Youssouf called for calm and restraint from all parties, urging dialogue as the best path to resolving the crisis.
“The Chairperson expresses concern over the ongoing developments in the country and calls for restraint and calm, while encouraging dialogue to resolve the situation,” he said.
The AU also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government of Madagascar and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to help address the unrest.
“The Chairperson reiterates the unwavering commitment of the African Union to continue working with the Government of Madagascar and with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in engaging the parties for a redress to the ongoing situation,” the statement added.
The protests in Antananarivo mark another period of political and social instability in Madagascar, with demonstrators clashing with authorities and businesses suffering from the disruptions.
Hundreds of people poured into the streets early Thursday to express their frustration with repeated blackouts that have left homes and businesses without power for more than 12 hours at a time.
What began as peaceful rallies quickly descended into violent confrontations as police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Protesters set up barricades using rocks and burning tyres, paralysing movement in parts of the city.
By the afternoon, incidents of looting were reported at shops, appliance outlets and banks in several neighbourhoods of the capital, which has a population of about 1.4 million.
Authorities had already outlawed the planned demonstrations on Wednesday, citing fears of disorder, and deployed large numbers of security officers across the city from early Thursday in anticipation of trouble.
Authorities in Madagascar further announced a night-time curfew across Antananarivo, after demonstrations escalated into chaos.