ANTANANARIVO, Sept. 29 (AGCNewsNet) – Large-scale demonstrations in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo spiraled into violence last Thursday, resulting in the complete looting and destruction of a Chinese-owned shopping mall, with estimated losses of 50 to 60 million yuan (about $8.3 million).

The protests, led mainly by young people, were sparked by growing frustration over persistent government power and water outages, which have disrupted daily life across the city. By evening, the demonstrations escalated into widespread unrest, with looters targeting shops and other properties.

According to mainland Chinese media, a businessman surnamed Ding from Henan province confirmed that the mall near the protest zone was ransacked and later set ablaze on September 25. He estimated total damages to be as high as 60 million yuan.

Ding further disclosed that around 100 Chinese nationals live in his district, many of whom operate malls and small shops within gated areas. In the aftermath of the looting, the local Chinese community organized defense measures with the assistance of Malagasy police and military forces to prevent further losses.

The Chinese embassy in Madagascar has not yet issued a statement on the incident. However, concerns are mounting within the expatriate community about their safety and the security of their businesses amid the ongoing unrest.

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