For the third week, young Malagasy have remained on the streets in protests over power and water shortages, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.

The protests, which broke out on September 25, have been sustained for 12 consecutive days as university students and other citizens hit the streets in the capital, Antananarivo, on Monday, defying a police clampdown.

Footage of a bonfire and police teargassing protesters demanding the resignation of Mr Rajoelina circulated on social media.

This comes despite Mr Rajoelina’s dissolution of his cabinet last Monday to placate protesters, and about 22 protesters were killed in the past days.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Rajoelina called for dialogue to resolve the “crisis” in Madagascar.

“I am aware of the difficulties, injustices, and concerns expressed. But it is together that we must chart a new path. Only unity will enable us to move forward,” Mr Rajoelina said.

According to the United Nations, about 22 people have been killed during the protest as a result of a brutal police clampdown on protesters.

Volker Türk, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, lamented the brutal clampdown on protesters, expressing “shock at the violent response by security forces to the ongoing protests.”

“The authorities must ensure respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” he said.