On Monday, September 29, 2025, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina made a historic announcement that sent shockwaves through the Indian Ocean island nation: he was dissolving his government in response to a wave of deadly youth-led protests that have gripped the country since Thursday. The decision marks a critical turning point in Madagascar’s political landscape, as the nation grapples with escalating unrest, economic hardship, and growing disillusionment among its younger population. The protests, which have drawn comparisons to the “Gen-Z” uprisings in Kenya and Nepal, have exposed deep-seated frustrations over systemic issues such as water shortages, power cuts, and perceived government inefficacy. With at least 22 people reported dead and over 100 injured, the demonstrations represent the most significant challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since his re-election in 2023.
A Nation in Turmoil
The protests erupted on Thursday, September 25, 2025, sparked by widespread discontent over chronic water and electricity shortages that have plagued Madagascar for years. These issues have disproportionately affected the nation’s urban centers, particularly the capital, Antananarivo, where residents often face hours without power or access to clean water. For many, especially the younger generation, these outages symbolize a broader failure of governance—a government unable to deliver basic services to its citizens. Inspired by youth-led movements in other parts of the world, such as Kenya and Nepal, Madagascar’s young people took to the streets in what has become the largest display of public dissent in the country in recent memory.
The United Nations, through its high commissioner for human rights, reported on Monday that at least 22 individuals had lost their lives during the protests, with more than 100 others sustaining injuries. The casualties included both protesters and bystanders, some killed by security forces attempting to quell the demonstrations, and others caught in the widespread violence and looting that followed. The looting, perpetrated by individuals and gangs not necessarily affiliated with the core protest movement, has added a layer of chaos to an already volatile situation. Businesses, particularly in Antananarivo, have been targeted, with shops and warehouses ransacked, further exacerbating the economic toll of the unrest.
The President’s Response
In a televised address broadcast on state-run Televiziona Malagasy (TVM) from Antananarivo, President Rajoelina sought to address the crisis head-on. His decision to dissolve the government was a dramatic acknowledgment of the public’s grievances and an attempt to defuse tensions before they spiral further out of control. “We acknowledge and apologize if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them,” Rajoelina said, his tone somber yet resolute. “I understand the anger, sadness, and difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems.”
Rajoelina’s speech was carefully crafted to strike a balance between contrition and authority. He expressed empathy for the protesters, particularly the youth, who have been at the forefront of the demonstrations. “I heard the call, I felt the suffering; I understood the impact on daily life,” he said, signaling his intent to open a dialogue with the younger generation. The president also promised immediate interventions to support businesses affected by the looting, recognizing the economic fallout of the protests. However, his announcement stopped short of detailing specific policy changes or timelines for addressing the root causes of the unrest, leaving many to wonder whether his gestures would be enough to restore calm.
The dissolution of the government is a bold move, but it is not without precedent in Madagascar’s turbulent political history. The country has experienced multiple coups and periods of instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. Rajoelina himself came to power in 2009 through a military-backed coup before being elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023. His decision to dissolve the government is seen by some as an attempt to reset his administration and regain public trust, while others view it as a tactical maneuver to shift blame onto his cabinet while preserving his own authority.
The UN’s Report and the Government’s Rebuttal
The United Nations’ report on the casualties has added a layer of complexity to the unfolding crisis. The UN high commissioner for human rights stated that the deaths and injuries resulted from a combination of actions by security forces and subsequent violence by opportunistic groups. The report painted a grim picture of a nation on edge, with security forces struggling to maintain order amid growing public anger. The use of lethal force by police and military personnel has drawn particular scrutiny, with human rights organizations calling for investigations into allegations of excessive force.
However, Madagascar’s Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the UN’s figures, calling them unreliable and based on “rumors and misinformation.” In a strongly worded statement, the ministry argued that the casualty data had not been verified by competent national authorities and accused international organizations of exaggerating the scale of the violence. This rebuttal has further strained relations between the government and international bodies, raising questions about transparency and accountability in Madagascar’s handling of the crisis.
The government’s dismissal of the UN’s report has also fueled skepticism among protesters, many of whom see it as an attempt to downplay the severity of the situation. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with posts from Malagasy citizens and activists who argue that the government’s response is emblematic of a broader pattern of denial and deflection. Hashtags such as #MadagascarProtests and #GenZMadagascar have gained traction, amplifying the voices of young people demanding systemic change.
Protests Continue Despite Crackdowns
On Monday, the protests showed no signs of abating, with hundreds of demonstrators gathering at a university in Antananarivo. Waving signs and chanting slogans, the protesters attempted to march toward the city center, a symbolic act of defiance against the government. However, their efforts were met with a heavy-handed response from security forces, who deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. Videos circulating on X captured scenes of chaos, with clouds of tear gas billowing through the streets and protesters scattering to avoid the stinging fumes.
The use of tear gas has become a flashpoint in the protests, with many accusing the police of using excessive force to suppress peaceful demonstrations. Eyewitness accounts describe a tense and volatile atmosphere, with security forces patrolling key areas of the capital and setting up barricades to prevent protesters from reaching government buildings. Despite these measures, the determination of the protesters—many of whom are university students and young professionals—remains unshaken. Their demands are clear: an end to power and water shortages, greater accountability from the government, and meaningful reforms to address systemic inequalities.
The protests have also highlighted the growing influence of Madagascar’s youth, who make up a significant portion of the country’s population. Like their counterparts in Kenya and Nepal, these young people are tech-savvy, politically engaged, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Social media has played a pivotal role in organizing the demonstrations, with platforms like X serving as a hub for sharing information, coordinating rallies, and documenting instances of police brutality. The parallels with the “Gen-Z” protests in other countries are striking, as Madagascar’s youth draw inspiration from global movements while adapting their strategies to the local context.
The Broader Context
The current unrest in Madagascar cannot be understood in isolation; it is deeply rooted in the country’s socio-economic and political challenges. Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest nations, with over 80% of its population living below the international poverty line. The economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism, has been battered by recurring natural disasters, including cyclones and droughts, as well as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors have exacerbated existing inequalities, leaving many citizens struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and electricity.
The power and water shortages that sparked the protests are not new issues but have worsened in recent years due to mismanagement, aging infrastructure, and insufficient investment. In Antananarivo, residents often endure scheduled power cuts, known locally as “délestage,” which can last for hours or even days. Water shortages are equally dire, with many households relying on expensive private vendors or contaminated sources. For the younger generation, these daily hardships are a constant reminder of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises of development and progress.
Rajoelina’s administration has faced criticism for prioritizing large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the construction of new roads and stadiums, over addressing immediate needs like electricity and water access. While these projects are intended to boost Madagascar’s economy in the long term, they have done little to alleviate the day-to-day struggles of ordinary citizens. The protests, therefore, are not just about immediate grievances but also about a broader demand for a government that prioritizes the well-being of its people.
The Road Ahead
President Rajoelina’s decision to dissolve the government is a significant step, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to quell the protests and restore public confidence. The appointment of a new cabinet will be a critical test of his commitment to addressing the protesters’ demands. Analysts suggest that Rajoelina will need to include technocrats and reform-minded individuals in his new government to demonstrate a genuine shift in policy. However, there is skepticism about whether a reshuffle alone can address the systemic issues at the heart of the unrest.
In the short term, Rajoelina has promised to engage in dialogue with the youth and to provide support for businesses affected by the looting. These measures could help de-escalate tensions, but they are unlikely to satisfy protesters who are calling for deeper structural reforms. The government will also need to address the allegations of excessive force by security forces, which have further eroded public trust. An independent investigation into the protest-related deaths and injuries could help restore credibility, but the government’s rejection of the UN’s casualty figures suggests that such a step may face resistance.
Internationally, the situation in Madagascar is being closely watched by regional and global actors. The African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have yet to issue formal statements on the protests, but they may play a role in mediating dialogue between the government and protesters. The UN and other human rights organizations are likely to continue pressing for accountability, particularly regarding the use of force by security personnel.
A Generation’s Cry for Change
The youth-led protests in Madagascar are more than just a reaction to power cuts and water shortages; they are a manifestation of a generation’s frustration with a system that has failed to deliver on its promises. The “Gen-Z” protesters, as they have been dubbed, are not content to accept the status quo. They are demanding a government that listens, acts, and prioritizes the needs of its citizens. Their movement, amplified by social media and inspired by global uprisings, has the potential to reshape Madagascar’s political landscape.
For President Rajoelina, the protests represent both a challenge and an opportunity. By dissolving the government and pledging to engage with the youth, he has taken a first step toward addressing the crisis. However, the path forward will require more than symbolic gestures. It will demand concrete action to address the root causes of the unrest, from investing in critical infrastructure to fostering greater transparency and accountability. Whether Rajoelina can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Madagascar’s youth are no longer willing to wait in silence.
As the nation braces for what comes next, the eyes of the world are on Madagascar. The outcome of this crisis will not only determine the future of Rajoelina’s presidency but also shape the trajectory of a nation at a crossroads. For now, the streets of Antananarivo remain a battleground for ideas, aspirations, and the hope for a better tomorrow.
