Madagascar’s newly appointed Prime Minister, General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, on Friday criticised what he called the “excessive use of force” by both security forces and protesters, following three weeks of anti-government demonstrations across the island nation.

Protesters have blocked roads with rocks and in some cases hurled stones at security forces who have responded with rounds of teargas. One woman whose husband was shot dead on September 25 when he went to close his shop, told Reuters this week that his death had been “entirely preventable”.

The demonstrations were initially sparked by water and electricity shortages but later expanded to include calls for President Andry Rajoelina to step down, apologise to the nation and dissolve the senate and election commission.

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