About 1000 protesters marched in Madagascar's capital on Thursday as the most significant unrest in the country in years continued into the third week.

Police clashed with protesters and fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Police could also be seen patrolling the streets of the capital in armoured cars and charging at protesters, most of whom wore masks.

The protests, led by young people referred to as Gen Z, follow several similar demonstrations which the United Nations said had led to 22 people killed and dozens injured.

The government has disputed this number.

The protests were sparked by water and power cuts but soon extended to frustrations over allegations of corruption and nepotism in the country's governments.

The initial demonstrations which started three weeks ago forced the country's President Andry Rajoelina to fire his entire cabinet, but this has failed to appease the country's young people, who have are now calling on him to step down.

They also rejected an invitation to have a talks with Rajoelina on Wednesday.

The Anosy and Mahamasina districts near the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium were the scene of the clashes, with protesters having barricaded some of the streets with rocks and burning tyres.

Madagascar, a large island of around 31 million people off the east coast of Africa, has seen several leaders forced out in uprisings since it gained independence from France in 1960 and has a history of political crises.

The country struggles with severe poverty, which affects around 80% of the population, according to the World Bank.

Rajoelina, 51, was elected president in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, when the vote was boycotted by opposition parties.

One of the most prominent symbols carried and worn by Madagascar’s generally black-clothed protesters is an image of a pirate skull and crossbones that was seen in the Gen Z-led uprising in Nepal last month and other protests across the world.

The movement has mobilized over the internet and say they were inspired by other protests that toppled governments in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

AP video by Alexander Joe