Security forces in Madagascar have fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the latest youth-led protest following two weeks of anti-government demonstrations that have rocked the Indian Ocean island.

At least 1,000 protesters marched through Madagascar's capital on Thursday, some hurling objects at security personnel.

The movement behind the protest, known as Gen Z Mada, rejected President Andry Rajoelina's offer to attend talks on Wednesday, demanding once again that he resign. The group argued they could not engage with a government that has been repressing them as they demand basic human rights.

Security forces charged at protesters with armoured vehicles and made numerous arrests, as reported by news agency AFP.

The protests began on September 25, triggered by anger over persistent power and water shortages, escalating into broader dissatisfaction over corruption, high unemployment, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Rajoelina held a town-hall style meeting at his palace on Wednesday with various groups of government supporters, despite Gen Z Mada's decision not to attend, and said he would step down in a year if he hadn't addressed their concerns by then. I swear that if power cuts persist in the capital within a year, I will resign, he assured attendees.

Gen Z Mada has called for a nationwide strike, urging people across all regions to join them, declaring that the Malagasy people do not submit. Last week, Rajoelina replaced his entire government and appointed an army general as prime minister, a move that the protest movement has rejected.

At least 22 people have died and numerous others injured during the protests, according to the United Nations, although the authorities have disputed these figures.

Life in Antananarivo largely continues normally, except in areas with heavy police presence, as the protests continue to evolve.