Gen Z Protests Strike Madagascar

Madelyn Williams 

Malagasy protests in September led to a new government in October. The protests began as peaceful demonstrations over persistent power and water shortages. On September 19, 2025, two government officials were arrested for planning a peaceful rally in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo. This sparked outrage, particularly among Gen Z, who saw the arrests as an attempt by the government to silence their voices. Protests quickly spread across the country, led by the youth through an online movement called Gen Z Mada, which coordinated activities via TikTok and Facebook. Other groups, including labor unions, soon joined in. Activists began calling for broader governmental reforms and deeper political change. Civil society organizations urged for church-led dialogue to prevent the country from descending into chaos or civil war, but to no avail. Thousands continued to take to the streets.

Former President Rajoelina responded by cracking down on the youth, enacting curfews and shutting down schools in an attempt to prevent escalation. Unauthorized gatherings were banned, with the government claiming they posed a threat to social order. Tensions continued to rise. Rajoelina dissolved several state institutions, but this did little to dissuade protesters. Eventually, the military, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, rebelled and joined the anti-government movement. President Rajoelina was forced to flee abroad, where he condemned the takeover and refused to formally resign. However, Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court ratified Colonel Randrianirina as president within hours of the coup. During the unrest, over 22 people were killed and around 100 were injured. President Randrianirina soon appointed a new prime minister, but the youth expressed disapproval. They argued that the decision, made without consultation, “runs contrary to the desired structural change.”

Madagascar remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with about 75% of its population living below the poverty line. Additionally, two-thirds of the population lack access to electricity. The protesters’ demands centered on basic reforms, improved access to essential services, job creation, and anti-corruption measures. Madagascar is no stranger to political upheaval. Former President Rajoelina himself came to power in 2009 following a coup, and although he won elections in 2018 and 2023, their legitimacy has long been questioned. As with previous coups, this latest one was condemned by both the United Nations and the African Union. The AU has suspended Madagascar due to its repeated history of unconstitutional transfers of power. Coups pose particular challenges, not only do they undermine domestic governance, but they also erode the credibility of regional organizations. When a government lacks legitimacy, it breeds disillusionment both at home and abroad, weakening confidence in its policies and international standing.