One-month-old baby killed by police tear gas in Madagascar

A one-month-old baby was killed by police tear gas that filled the streets of Madagascar amid protests that have been continuing over the past two weeks.

According to BBC Africa on October 10, Razanasoa Edmondine, the grandmother of a one-month-old boy, told reporters that “it was just a normal Friday. My daughter-in-law was going to the market with the baby when they encountered demonstrators on the road.”

It was the second day of Madagascar’s youth-led protests, with demonstrators sending a clear message to the government over worsening power and water shortages.

With carnage and chaos reaching the streets, the police released tear gas, which filled the air with heavy smoke. Ms Edmondine’s daughter-in-law ran to a nearby building with other protesters, but with heavy smoke consuming the air, it became unmanageable for the baby.

Ms Edmondine explained, “the baby was trying to cry but no sound came out”, adding: “it was like something was blocking his chest, the doctor told us he inhaled too much smoke, a couple of days later he passed away.”

According to the United Nations, there have been 22 deaths, including Ms Edmondine’s grandchild, in violence that spiralled out of control between police and demonstrators.

The protests, which were intended to be peaceful, have escalated amid outrage over high unemployment and the cost of living. Clashes have resulted in cars being set on fire and windows smashed, with property damage estimated at $47 million.

Many business owners understand and sympathise with the protesters’ grievances, but they are frustrated by the disruption to local businesses.

Laza Brenda, a business owner who runs a roadside phone repair kiosk, said, “I fully support Gen Z, but I don’t think the protests are the right way to address their grievances. When people demonstrate, I can’t do business.”

One of the Gen Z protest organisers, who wanted to keep themselves anonymous for safety reasons, explained that he had to walk a mile each day to get water from the well. He continued that; “to be a young person in Madagascar, you have to be tough.”

He demands “radical change” to confront the island’s long-standing economic and social hardships.

Conflict between police protesters has also occurred in Morocco, which has led to deaths after Gen Z 212 protesters tried to storm a local police station near Agadir.

For many Moroccans, the protests underscore the country’s chronic underinvestment in education and healthcare, especially in contrast to the massive spending on the 2030 FIFA World Cup. With chants on the streets including “stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?”

Morocco’s youth-led protests are also highlighting the country’s severe economic challenges, with access to essential services at historically low levels. Frustration has grown so intense that demonstrators are demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.

Similarly, Madagascar’s unrest reflects a deepening public frustration with its government.

Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, addressed accusations of police brutality, acknowledging the loss of life and saying, “there have been deaths, we completely agree. And I truly sympathise with the suffering and pain of the families who have lost loved ones”.

The CAPSAT army unit in Madagascar has reportedly seized control of the country’s armed forces. Back in 2009, CAPSAT aided President Andry Rajoelina during the elections.

BBC Africa, Maghrebi.org