Rival rallies in Madagascar after deadly Gen Z protests

Backers and foes of Madagascar's cornered government staged rival rallies in the capital Antananarivo on Saturday following days of fatal youth-led protests the president has termed a coup bid.

Inspired by similar movements in Bangladesh, Nepal and Indonesia, the protests led by an online youth movement known as Gen Z Mada, have tapped into widespread frustration over poor governance, with demonstrators calling for President Andry Rajoelina to step down.

At least 22 people have been killed and hundreds injured, according to the UN, a toll the govt dismissed as based on misinformation.

The anti-government protesters attempted to converge in the centre of Antananarivo but were prevented by a heavy police presence. Officers erected roadblocks, including in Ambondrona neighbourhood.

Despite its natural resources, Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries. Nearly three-quarters of its population of 32 million were living below the poverty line in 2022, show World Bank data.

Corruption is widespread. Madagascar ranks 140th out of 180 in Transparency International's index that ranks countries by perceived level of public sector corruption.