Antananarivo: Authorities in Madagascar have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Antananarivo, after violent protests erupted over persistent power outages and water shortages. The curfew, announced by General Angelo Ravelonarivo, head of a combined police and military security unit, is in effect from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to safeguard citizens and property.

The demonstrations, largely led by youth activists, escalated despite a prior ban on gatherings. Protesters demanded reliable access to electricity and clean water, and the unrest resulted in significant property damage, including the looting and burning of a major shopping mall and vandalism of two lawmakers' homes.

Security forces responded to the protests by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds. The unrest has spread

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