The president had proposed talks with community leaders, students, and youth representatives in an effort to calm growing unrest. But demonstrators say they will not negotiate with a government they accuse of repression and violence.

“We refuse the president’s invitation to talks,” the protesters announced on social media. “We will not engage in dialogue with a regime that assaults and humiliates its youth in the streets.”

With their 48-hour ultimatum to the president expired, the movement has now called for a nationwide strike. Junior doctors have joined the cause, condemning police brutality during earlier protests.

The youth-led demonstrations, which began on September 25, were initially sparked by anger over chronic water and power shortages. However, they have since grown into a broader movement against poverty, corruption, and poor governance, with many demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.

Despite efforts to contain the crisis — including dismissing his cabinet and appointing a military prime minister — the president’s actions have failed to ease public anger, and the crowds continue to swell in the streets of Antananarivo.

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