Tragedy in Madagascar: Baby Dies from Police Tear Gas During Protests

Sat Oct 11 2025 00:34:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A heartbreaking incident during ongoing protests in Madagascar has led to the death of a one-month-old baby, raising questions about police conduct and government accountability.

The death of a one-month-old baby in Madagascar, caused by police tear gas during anti-government protests, highlights the growing unrest and dissatisfaction among citizens over basic living conditions. The child's grandmother recounted the tragic incident as a reflection of the escalating tensions in the country, where protests have erupted due to water and electricity shortages. The government faces criticism for both its handling of the protests and the current socio-economic crisis.

Razanasoa Edmondine still looks shell-shocked as she recalls the death of her one-month-old grandson, killed by police tear gas during protests that have rocked Madagascar over the last two weeks.

It was just a normal Friday. My daughter-in-law was going to the market with the baby when they encountered demonstrators on the road, she tells the BBC at the family's home on the northern outskirts of the capital, Antananarivo.

Not long after, police showed up and started dispersing the protest with tear gas.

It was the second day of youth-led protests, triggered by anger over persistent power and water shortages, leading Ms. Edmondine's daughter-in-law to run into a nearby building with other protesters to take cover.

Police then fired more tear gas canisters into the building, quickly filling it with choking smoke.

With the streets in chaos, they could not reach a hospital until the following day. By then, the damage had been done.

The baby was trying to cry but no sound came out, says Ms. Edmondine softly. It was like something was blocking his chest. The doctor told us he had inhaled too much smoke. A couple of days later, he passed away.

The child is one of at least 22 victims reported killed during clashes between protesters and police in the early days of increasing civil unrest over issues like corruption, unemployment, and the rise of living expenses in one of the world's poorest nations.

Despite the government's insistence that the casualties are misreported, critiques have surfaced regarding how officials are managing public dissent and societal expectations.

Protesters, particularly the youth, are determined to see change, asserting that the government is failing to address their needs. Demonstrators are voicing frustrations not only about their immediate economic hardships but also long-term systemic issues that have stunted their development.

As protests continue and the government struggles to address the mounting grievances, the tragic loss of a young life serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in Madagascar.