Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has pledged to address the nation’s pressing challenges within a year, vowing to resign if he fails to deliver. Speaking at a town-hall meeting at his palace, Rajoelina engaged with government supporters, urging honesty over flattery. ‘It’s the people who kept telling me everything was fine who are responsible for our current situation,’ he remarked. The protests, initially sparked by water and electricity shortages, have evolved into widespread discontent over corruption, unemployment, and the cost-of-living crisis. The youth-led movement, Gen Z Mada, has rejected Rajoelina’s invitation to dialogue, accusing the government of repression and vowing to continue demonstrations. Rajoelina, who came to power in 2009 after mass protests, has dismissed his cabinet and appointed an army general as prime minister, a move the protesters have dismissed. Despite the unrest, life in most parts of the capital, Antananarivo, remains normal, though some areas are heavily policed. The UN reports at least 22 deaths in clashes with security forces, a figure disputed by authorities. Rajoelina remains committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue rather than protests.