Six countries urge dialogue in protest-hit Madagascar

Members of the security forces walk next to a burning barricade erected by protesters during an anti-government protest in Andravoahangy, Antananarivo, on October 1, 2025. [AFP

Six foreign embassies and the European Union delegation on Thursday called for "constructive dialogue" in Madagascar where anti-government protesters took a "strategic" break after a week of demonstrations.

The Indian Ocean island was awaiting the nomination of a new prime minister after President Andry Rajoelina  dismissed his entire government on Monday in a bid to placate the protests, which started on September 25 over misgovernance and water and power cuts.