Generation Z (Gen Z) protests in Madagascar, coordinated under the youth movement Gen Z Mada, erupted in late September 2025 amid widespread frustration over chronic infrastructure failures, economic hardship, and political corruption.
Initially sparked by the arrests of local politicians protesting water and electricity cuts from September 19 to 25, 2025, the demonstrations quickly escalated into nationwide demands for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina, along with demands for the dissolution of parliament, anti-corruption measures, and reforms in education, healthcare, and job creation.
Coordinated through social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, the protests drew inspiration from similar youth movements in countries such as Nepal, Indonesia, and Morocco, adopting symbols such as a modified One Piece flag to symbolize global solidarity.
By early October 2025, the unrest had spread to at least nine cities, marking the largest wave of demonstrations in the country in more than 15 years.
Madagascar’s context intensifies the protests: as one of the poorest countries in the world, 75% of its 30 million inhabitants live below the poverty line, and only a third have access to electricity.
Rampant corruption places it 140th out of 180 on Transparency International’s 2024 index. Youth unemployment and precarious job security for graduates further fuel generational anger, as protesters consider themselves the “last hope” for systemic change.
The protests have caused severe human, social, and economic damage, exacerbating Madagascar’s vulnerability.
Human and Social Impacts
Casualties: At least 22 people died and more than 100 were injured, mainly due to clashes with security forces using tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition, according to UN reports.
High-profile incidents include the death of 22-year-old student Andriamiharisoa, who was shot in the head on October 7, 2025. The government denies these figures, calling them “rumors and misinformation.”
Disruptions: Dusk-to-dawn curfews in Antananarivo, school closures in and around the capital, and widespread fear that has driven activists into hiding.
Looting and arson, including the burning of the Ministry of Finance, have increased social tension, although protesters organized cleanup efforts to counter accusations of vandalism.
Power and water outages, which already last more than 12 hours a day, worsened amid the unrest, affecting businesses, health services, and homes.
The protests could have broader consequences, such as halting international aid and trade, in a country that relies on external support.
With an average annual income of $545 and vulnerability to climate shocks, the instability threatens to further deepen poverty and disenfranchisement of young people, which could discourage investment.
On October 7, 2025, President Rajoelina dismissed his entire cabinet and appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister, describing him as “a clean person” to restore order and confidence.
This militarization evokes Rajoelina’s 2009 rise through protests and a military-backed coup, but protesters have rejected it as insufficient, prompting a 48-hour ultimatum for his resignation.
The security forces’ forceful response has fueled accusations of “coup provocation,” with Rajoelina alleging foreign funding for the protesters. Opposition leaders, including former President Marc Ravalomanana, issued a joint statement on October 8 warning of a “popular uprising,” indicating possible fragmentation.
The leaderless movement has maintained electoral participation through online coordination, but internal divisions persist over dialogue or escalation. Protesters are demanding transparent public conversations, viewing government offers as divisive tactics.
As part of a wave of Gen Z-led unrest in Africa (e.g., Morocco) and Asia, the protests highlight youth-driven demands for equity amid poor governance.
Amnesty International and the UN have called for investigations into the use of lethal force, while civil society is pushing for church-mediated talks to avoid civil war.
The unrest highlights the large increase in the youth population in Africa (the median age in Madagascar is 19.2) and risks inspiring similar movements, which could affect regional stability and aid flows.
As of October 7, 2025, the protests remained unresolved and intensifying, with no signs of de-escalation despite government concessions.
The protesters’ 48-hour ultimatum foreshadowed a major stalemate, vowing to persist “as long as Rajoelina remains in power,” while also calling the military appointment a betrayal of people-driven change. Analysts predict that Rajoelina may hold out in the short term thanks to institutional control and nationalist rhetoric, but a turning point is looming if the military refuses orders to crack down, recalling the 2009 uprising that brought him to power.
The movement’s success depends on maintaining unity and international pressure to ensure accountability for the use of force. If left unaddressed, the protests could lead to prolonged instability, but they also offer an opportunity for “positive peace”: reforming service delivery, equity, and youth participation to rebuild trust.
In the words of one 25-year-old coordinator: “If I stop now, who will rise again?” This generational determination makes the unrest a crucial challenge for Madagascar’s governance, the outcomes of which will likely shape African youth activism for years.
