LUSAKA, Zambia – On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the streets of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, were filled with the chants and footsteps of at least 1,000 anti-government protesters, who took to the city in a bold demonstration calling for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. The march, one of the largest displays of public dissent in the island nation in recent years, underscored growing frustration among Madagascar’s youth and broader population over systemic governance issues, economic challenges, and persistent service disruptions. Organized by a coalition known as “Gen Z Madagascar,” composed primarily of students and young activists, the protests have escalated into a significant challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership, marking a critical moment in the country’s political landscape.
The protests erupted amid widespread grievances over frequent water and power outages, issues that have plagued Madagascar for years and disproportionately affected its urban and rural populations. What began as demonstrations against these service disruptions quickly evolved into a broader movement demanding systemic change, with protesters directly targeting Rajoelina’s presidency. The president’s recent decision to dissolve the government and appoint new officials to select portfolios did little to quell the unrest, as demonstrators viewed these moves as superficial attempts to placate public anger rather than address the root causes of their discontent. For many, the reshuffling of government positions failed to inspire confidence in Rajoelina’s ability to deliver meaningful reforms.
As the march progressed through Antananarivo, tensions escalated, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces. Police deployed tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets in an effort to disperse the crowds, a response that further inflamed the situation. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes of protesters running for cover as plumes of tear gas filled the air, while others stood their ground, chanting slogans and holding signs demanding Rajoelina’s immediate resignation. The use of force by law enforcement drew condemnation from human rights groups, who called for restraint and respect for the right to peaceful assembly. Despite the heavy-handed response, the protesters remained resolute, with many vowing to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.
The “Gen Z Madagascar” coalition, which has emerged as a driving force behind the protests, represents a new generation of activists leveraging social media and grassroots organizing to mobilize support. The group’s leaders, many of whom are university students and young professionals, have articulated a vision for a more accountable and transparent government. They argue that Rajoelina’s administration has failed to address critical issues such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure decay, which have left Madagascar—one of the world’s poorest nations—struggling to meet the basic needs of its citizens. The coalition’s ability to galvanize thousands of young people has drawn comparisons to youth-led movements in other parts of Africa, where Generation Z has increasingly taken the lead in advocating for political and social change.
On Wednesday, October 8, President Rajoelina addressed the growing unrest during a gathering at the state palace in Antananarivo. In his remarks, he accused those calling for his resignation of attempting to destabilize the country and undermine its progress. “Those who are calling for my resignation want to destroy Madagascar,” Rajoelina declared, framing the protests as a threat to national stability. He sought to reassure his supporters by promising to transform the nation’s fortunes within a year, outlining ambitious plans to improve infrastructure, boost economic growth, and address the chronic water and power shortages that have fueled public anger. However, these promises were met with skepticism by protesters, who view them as empty rhetoric from a leader who has been in power since 2019 and previously served as president from 2009 to 2014 during a transitional period following a coup.
The legal repercussions of the protests have also begun to unfold. Lawyers representing the demonstrators reported that at least 28 individuals had been referred to the prosecutor’s office for formal charges, though the specific nature of the charges was not immediately clear. These arrests have raised concerns about potential crackdowns on dissent, with human rights advocates warning that the government’s response could further escalate tensions. The detained protesters, many of whom are young activists, have become symbols of the broader struggle for political accountability in Madagascar, with their supporters calling for their immediate release.
Madagascar’s current wave of unrest is the most significant since the political crisis of 2009, which saw Rajoelina rise to power through a military-backed coup. That period of instability left deep scars on the nation’s political and social fabric, and the current protests reflect lingering frustrations with governance and economic inequality. Madagascar, an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa, is known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, but it has long struggled with poverty, corruption, and underdevelopment. According to the World Bank, over 80% of Madagascar’s population lives on less than $2.15 a day, and access to basic services like electricity and clean water remains limited, particularly in rural areas.
The protests have also drawn attention to the broader challenges facing African nations, where young populations are increasingly demanding accountability from their leaders. With a median age of just 19, Madagascar’s youth are a powerful demographic force, and their growing activism signals a shift in the country’s political dynamics. The “Gen Z Madagascar” movement has tapped into this energy, using digital platforms to organize rallies, share information, and amplify their demands. The movement’s leaders have called for a national dialogue to address systemic issues, including electoral reforms, anti-corruption measures, and investments in education and job creation.
As the situation in Antananarivo remains volatile, the international community is closely monitoring developments. Regional organizations, such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, have yet to issue formal statements on the protests, but there is growing pressure for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. Madagascar’s strategic importance, both as a biodiversity hotspot and a geopolitical player in the Indian Ocean region, adds another layer of complexity to the crisis.
For President Rajoelina, the protests represent a critical test of his leadership. His administration’s response in the coming days will likely determine whether the unrest can be resolved through dialogue or if it will spiral into a broader conflict. The protesters, meanwhile, show no signs of backing down, with plans for additional demonstrations in Antananarivo and other cities across the country. Their demands for Rajoelina’s resignation and systemic reforms have struck a chord with many Malagasy citizens, who see the movement as a chance to reclaim their country’s future.
As Madagascar stands at a crossroads, the events unfolding in its capital are a reminder of the power of collective action and the challenges of governing a nation with deep-seated inequalities. The “Gen Z Madagascar” movement has brought these issues to the forefront, forcing the government and the international community to confront the urgent need for change. Whether the protests will lead to meaningful reforms or further entrench divisions remains uncertain, but for now, the voices of Madagascar’s youth are echoing loudly, demanding to be heard.
