By James Kunda
LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Madagascar's new Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo condemned the use of "excessive force" on Friday by security personnel and protesters as anti-government demonstrations raged for President Andry Rajoelina to resign.
"We totally condemn the use of excessive force among the Malagacy people; our values, sense of solidarity and brotherhood must prevail in the military and among the protesters," Zafisambo told reporters.
Zafisambo was appointed, along with a new team of defense and security ministers, by Rajoelina earlier this week after the Indian Ocean island's government was sacked in a bid to calm protesters whose calls for improved water and electricity access soon turned to demands for Rajoelina to leave office.
Hundreds of "Gen Z" protesters blocked roads in the national capital of Antananarivo and, in some instances, threw stones at security forces who responded by firing teargas canisters.
The UN Office on Human Rights asked security forces to refrain from unnecessary force against protesters, in a statement on the US social media company, X.
It said reports of continued violence against protesters by the gendarmerie, particularly in Antananarivo were "troubling,".