Protests and strikes are escalating in Madagascar, where President Andry Rajoelina faces calls for his resignation over mismanagement, water shortages, and power cuts.

The protest movement appears to have grown even more energetic and determined after Rajoelina ordered harsh police crackdowns on demonstrators. The death toll from the crackdown stood at 22 as of Thursday, according to the United Nations.

The demonstrations began two weeks ago, driven by public anger over daily power outages and frequent water shortages. Madagascar is rich in mineral, agricultural, and maritime resources but much of the population lives in poverty, in part because the government is reluctant to develop its mineral resources due to environmental concerns .

Madagascar is frequently plagued by

See Full Page