Madagascar's Youth Rise: Gen Z Leads Protests Against Government Strikes

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:03:55 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Discover how Madagascar's young activists are challenging the government amid widespread discontent leading to protests that have prompted the president to sack his cabinet.

In Madagascar, thousands have taken to the streets in unprecedented protests against President Rajoelina's government, sparked by dissatisfaction over critical shortages of basic necessities. What began as a movement led by Gen Z activists snowballed into a significant challenge for the president, culminating in a government reshuffle that failed to quell public anger. Despite the authorities’ efforts to restore order, including heavy police presence and curfews, the protests are expanding and intensifying, raising questions about the stability of the administration and the future of Madagascar.

Thousands of people in Madagascar have taken to the streets in different parts of the country for the past week in the largest wave of protests the Indian Ocean island nation has witnessed in more than 15 years.

What began as anger over shortages of basic necessities has rapidly escalated into one of the most serious challenges facing President Andry Rajoelina, who has been in power, for the second time, since 2018. On Monday, in response, he sacked his government but that did not placate the protesters.

At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 others injured in the unrest, according to the UN, although the Malagasy government has dismissed those figures and described them as based on rumours and misinformation.

What sparked the protests?

Pressure started to build following the arrest on 19 September of two leading city politicians, who had planned a peaceful demonstration in the capital, Antananarivo, over chronic power and water supply problems. There have been hours-long daily outages of the services run by state-owned utility company Jirama.

Many saw their detention as an attempt to silence legitimate dissent leading to public outrage, with the cause taken up by civil society groups and the formation of a youth-led online movement known as Gen Z Mada.

Who is demonstrating?

Initially, Gen Z Mada was co-ordinating what was going on through social media sites such as Facebook and TikTok. A committee was created to organise further demonstrations following a meeting between Gen Z Mada, civil society groups and local politicians.

The demonstrators have not issued a manifesto but what started with anger over public services has evolved into broader demands for political change.

What do the protesters want?

Many young people, facing insecure and poorly paid jobs, have called for the president's resignation, blaming him for the prevailing issues. Activists want him to take responsibility for those reportedly killed by security forces.

What is the government's response?

Security forces have maintained a heavy presence across Antananarivo and other major cities, using tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters. Rajoelina has called for calm and promised to address the frequent power outages, but the public anger continues to rise.

What is life like in Madagascar?

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 75% of people living below the poverty line. The situation is dire, with only about one-third of the population having access to electricity.

Is the president under threat?

The demonstrations risk dragging on, and political fragmentation might occur if authorities continue to suppress dissent instead of addressing the grievances.