Madagascar president holds talks spurned by protesters

Youth protesters in Madagascar on Wednesday rejected President Andry Rajoelina’s invitation to participate in a “national dialogue,” accusing his government of repression following weeks of demonstrations. Inspired by “Gen Z” protest movements in countries like Kenya and Nepal, the protests, launched on September 25, have become the most significant challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since his 2023 re-election, highlighting deep frustration over widespread poverty and entrenched corruption. Morgan Ayre reports.