Madagascar's president condemns looting, calls for calm

Andry Rajoelina, president of Madagascar, on Friday condemned the violent incidents that occurred the previous day, particularly in the capital Antananarivo, while urging all Malagasy people to remain calm.

"In the face of events that led to looting and the destruction of property and businesses, I condemn these acts of devastation and the intent to sow ruin in our country," the president said in a social media post.

A demonstration was organised on Thursday in Antananarivo to protest over frequent power outages and water shortages, which escalated into looting in several parts of the Indian Ocean island country by the end of the day.

Angelo Ravelonarivo, prefect of Antananarivo, announced on Thursday night a curfew from 7:00 pm (1600 GMT) to 5:00 am (0200 GMT) in the capital and its surrounding areas, "until order is restored."

Rajoelina, who is in New York, the United States, to attend the United Nations General Assembly, said "division and hatred are not solutions," adding that "confrontations only lead to destruction, and no one benefits from them except those who seek only their own interests."

He also extended wishes for a swift recovery to those injured during the incidents and called on all Malagasy people to maintain calm.

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