Madagascar Protests Intensify as Youth Reject President’s Promises

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:00:43 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In Madagascar, youth-led protests escalate as demonstrators reject President Rajoelina's offers and demand his resignation. Security forces respond with rubber bullets and tear gas.

Madagascar's capital sees heightened protests led by Gen Z Mada, as thousands demand President Andry Rajoelina's resignation amid frustrations over power shortages and government repression. Despite the president’s promises to address concerns, protesters remain defiant, showcasing their demand for basic rights while security forces employ rubber bullets to disperse crowds.

In Madagascar, tensions are rising as youth-led protests reject President Andry Rajoelina's outreach for dialogue, insisting he resign. Security forces have responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators in the capital.

As tensions erupted, around 1,000 protesters took to the streets, some clashing with police. The Gen Z Mada movement argues that engagement with a government that represses youth is not possible.

The protests originated on September 25, fueled by anger over ongoing power and water shortages, sprawling into broader issues of corruption and rising living costs. Rajoelina addressed supporters, promising to resign within a year if the issues persist, but the protests continue.

Despite police actions leading to numerous arrests and reports of injuries and casualties among protesters, the call for a nationwide strike was issued to amplify their demands. The youth group remains relentless in their fight against government corruption and fills the streets of Antananarivo with their bold calls for change.