Protesters in Madagascar have vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations despite President Andrey Rojoelina’s dismissal of the country’s energy minister on Friday, as anger deepens over protracted power and water shortages.

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The capital, Antananarivo, has seen days of unrest, with police using teargas and rubber bullets against crowds. At least five people have been killed. Businesses have suffered widespread looting, reflecting frustration over conditions that many say have made daily life unlivable.

“When we arrived this morning, thieves were still here taking what was left,” said a restaurant worker describing Friday morning’s scene. “They had knives and threatened and insulted us. They told us not to move or they would kill us. We can do nothing but cry. They told us they were poor, that they had nothing, and that they were forced to steal.”

The demonstrations have been driven largely by students and young workers. “We have about 12 hours of power cuts a day,” said student Lala Herizo. “That means for 12 hours a day, we leave home, go to work, pay taxes, and when we return home, still no electricity. The students at Ankatso are protesting so that classes return to normal. Because right now it’s been a month that they haven’t studied, you know.”

Some residents have sought to restore order by cleaning damaged areas. “The city is ransacked and it is our duty to clean it up,” said one young man. “I support the demonstrations that are happening peacefully. I wish there weren’t so much damage, but looters, unfortunately, there will always be.”

Protesters accuse security forces of repressing demonstrators rather than protecting communities from looting. President Rojoelina has branded the unrest “acts of destabilization” and a “coup d’état,” while saying his government is looking for solutions to the blackout crisis.

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