The United Nations on Friday called on Madagascar authorities to avoid unnecessary force against protesters, a day after clashes with police at a youth-led rally in the capital, where deadly unrest has rumbled for two weeks.

Antananarivo was calm on Friday, with parts of the city still cordoned off by security forces, AFP journalists saw.

But a day earlier police had fired tear gas and rubber bullets on thousands of demonstrators, part of the "Gen Z" movement against the government ignited by anger against power and water shortages in the impoverished Indian Ocean island.

At least six people were injured and AFP reporters saw a man left unconscious on the ground after he was chased and severely beaten by security forces, who also used armoured vehicles to disperse the crowds.

"We're re

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