Madagascar protests: Chinese mall looted, 60 million yuan in losses

Large-scale demonstrations in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo have led to severe unrest, with a Chinese-owned shopping mall completely looted and resulting in approximately 60 million yuan in merchandise losses.

According to mainland media reports, protests erupted last Thursday as young people demonstrated against frequent government power and water outages that have made daily life difficult. The situation escalated into violence by evening, with widespread looting and destruction of property.

A Chinese businessman from Henan province, surnamed Ding, revealed that a Chinese-owned shopping mall near the protest area was completely looted and burned down on September 25. The total loss of goods is estimated at 50 to 60 million yuan.

Ding stated that about 100 Chinese people live in his area, operating shopping malls and small stores within enclosed walls. Following the initial looting, the Chinese community organized protection with help from local police and military forces.

When rioters attempted to attack on September 26, they were repelled. Protests continue, and security forces will fire on anyone who ignores warnings and approaches protected areas.

Some Chinese businesspeople originally scattered throughout the capital have sought shelter in the protected community, while many others have returned to China to wait for the situation to stabilize.

The Chinese Embassy in Madagascar has issued a safety reminder, urging Chinese citizens and institutions to closely monitor the local security situation, enhance vigilance, close businesses, and reduce non-essential outings.