Youth-led protests in Madagascar have intensified as demonstrators vowed to continue until President Andry Rajoelina resigns, dismissing his decision to dissolve the government as insufficient.
According to the UN, at least 22 people have been killed and 100 injured since the unrest erupted on 25 September, following the arrest of local councillors protesting against power and water shortages in Antananarivo. The demonstrations, led by Gen Z activists, quickly spread nationwide, fuelled by social media and inspired by youth movements in Indonesia and Nepal that toppled governments.
Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with an average annual income of $545 and ranked 140th in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index. Protesters accuse Rajoelina and his allies of corruption and demand his resignation, the dissolution of parliament, a purge of the judiciary and electoral commission, and systemic political reforms.
For many young activists, Rajoelina’s apology and appeal for dialogue fell flat. A 26-year-old protester said the dissolution felt like a small victory but insisted they would not stop until the system that fuels corruption and poverty is dismantled. Others dismissed dialogue entirely, calling the government a mafia seeking to divide their movement.
Gen Z Madagascar has embraced global youth protest tactics, even adopting a version of the One Piece pirate flag, modified with a Malagasy cultural symbol, as their banner. Despite accusations of looting by officials, the activists say they are committed to staying constitutional and nonviolent, even organising a cleanup drive in the capital.
With some protesters now in hiding, the movement remains determined. As one 25-year-old activist put it: If I stop now, who’s going to stand up again? After 15 years of this regime, we are the last hope of this generation.
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