The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has urged Madagascar’s law enforcement authorities to exercise maximum restraint and professionalism in responding to ongoing protests in the country.

Demonstrators under the Leo Délestage movement have taken to the streets of Antananarivo and other cities, including Antsirabé, since Thursday.

The protests were sparked by widespread water and power cuts affecting the capital and other towns.

The demonstrations have since turned violent, with at least five people reported dead and several others injured after police used tear gas and rubber bullets against crowds that remained defiant. In response, the Malagasy government has imposed a nighttime curfew.

In a statement, SADC encouraged protesters to channel their grievances “through lawful and peaceful means, in the interest of the nation and its future.”

“The loss of life, harm to individuals, and destruction of property are very unfortunate and run counter to the principles of peace, unity, and sustainable development that lie at the heart of the SADC vision,” said SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi.

Madagascar currently holds the SADC chairmanship, having assumed the role in August 2025 from Zimbabwe.

Magosi commended the Malagasy government for its “steadfast commitment to restoring peace and stability and to safeguarding the security, dignity, and welfare of all Malagasy citizens.”