a nationwide youth-led protest movement, denouncing what he describes as a coup plot orchestrated by political rivals.

Protesters took to the streets of the capital, Antananarivo, on Friday following a brief “strategic pause” in the near-daily demonstrations organized by a movement known as “Gen Z.” The group has demanded Rajoelina’s resignation, accusing him of failing to provide basic services such as water and electricity.

At least 22 people have been killed since the protests began on September 25, according to the United Nations. On Friday, police fired tear gas to disperse crowds in the capital, footage from Real TV Madagasikara showed.

“No one benefits from the destruction of the nation. I am here, ready to listen, ready to extend a helping hand and bring solutions to Madagascar,” Rajoelina said in a speech broadcast on his Facebook page.

He claimed, without providing evidence, that some politicians were seeking to exploit the protests and had considered staging a coup while he was attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. “What I want to tell you is that some people want to destroy our country,” he said, without naming those he accused.

The Gen Z movement dismissed Rajoelina’s remarks as “senseless,” vowing to take “all necessary measures” if the president did not “respond favorably” to its demands within 24 hours. Demonstrations also took place in the northern coastal city of Mahajanga, as well as in the southern cities of Toliara and Fianarantsoa. (Aljazeera)