Hundreds of young protesters returned to Madagascar’s streets despite President Andry Rajoelina dissolving his government, prompting police to fire tear gas in the capital, Antananarivo.

The “Gen-Z” protests, sparked by repeated water and power cuts, have spread to eight cities since Thursday, leaving at least 22 people dead and 100 injured, according to the UN, though the government disputes these figures.

Protesters demand Rajoelina’s resignation and accountability for deaths caused by security forces.

A curfew has been imposed, and police have used rubber bullets, tear gas, and live fire to disperse crowds, the BBC has reported.

The unrest represents the largest challenge to Rajoelina since his third re-election in 2023.