For Madagascar’s president Andry Rajoelina, this is the harshest political crisis since he ousted his predecessor in a coup in 2009. Protests are erupting throughout the country, quickly escalating to violence and raising the death toll even higher. The protests, sparked on September 25, were largely organized by youth fed up with years of water and power rationing. As of Tuesday, the United Nations confirmed at least 22 people killed. More than 100 others have been injured as civil unrest surges in violence.
The protests speak to a broader, global wave of youth-led movements. Kenya, Indonesia, Morocco, Nepal, Bangladesh—all on the cutting edge of this powerful worldwide demand for change. Young activists in Madagascar have been calling for “radical change to construct a free, egalitarian and united society.” They are calling for more than action on the economic grievances. Along the way, they tackle corruption, climate inaction, and social inequality.
The Role of Youth in the Protests
The protests in Madagascar have become a potent example of Gen Z activism. Youth protestors are using social media and digital platforms like never before to broadcast their message far and wide. Protesters quickly adopted this image first popularized in the Japanese comic series One Piece. During the demonstrations, they wore it like a badge of pride and solidarity on their sleeves.
Just a few examples of how young people in Madagascar are seizing the moment. They feel abandoned by old political habits and institutions. The protesters claim that other forms of dialogue or protest have previously been ignored by the government.
“Today, thanks to digital technology and the voice of Generation Z, we will make our voices heard at the table of power on the opposition side. To put an end to 16 years of inaction, let’s demand transparency, accountability and deep reforms.” – Gen Z Madagascar’s website
From the protests, the Rajoelina administration has shown their reaction with much more worry. On October 11, protesters blocked a military truck in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, raising repression and resistance to a boil level. In a worrisome turn, members of the special elite CAPSAT military unit have led the coup against all armed forces. That’s after weeks of escalating unrest. They have just appointed General Demosthene Pikulas to command the army, a post that had been empty for months.
“They didn’t want to hear us in the streets,” – Gen Z Madagascar’s website
Government Response and Military Involvement
The presidency’s response so far has been to threaten with extreme repression and even militarization, as well as an “effort to take power unlawfully and by force.” Beyond that, it’s unclear what’s going on. What exactly the military was doing and whether the protesters’ response can even be considered a coup is debatable. Colonel Michael Randrianirina of CAPSAT stated:
At the same time, Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo voiced an openness to dialogue with all sides of society. He underlined the point that the government really does want to hear from people. It’s committed to dialogue with everyone, including young people, unions, and the armed forces.
“Do we call this a coup? I don’t know yet.”
The current protests and unrest highlight deep social problems that go far beyond short-term economic grievances. In the United States, climate protesters are taking to the streets to express their anger over systemic corruption and government inaction on climate change. The convergence of these factors has fostered a powerful sense of urgency among Madagascar’s youth.
Broader Implications of the Crisis
Calling the situation serious, the presidency released a statement condemning what it called an effort at destabilization. It called upon all national forces to unite in defense of constitutional order and national sovereignty:
As Madagascar embarks on this delicate new chapter in its history, only time will tell which path the nation will take. The interplay between young activists demanding change and a government struggling to maintain order will be pivotal in shaping the country’s future.
“In view of the extreme gravity of this situation, the President of the Republic … strongly condemns this attempt at destabilization and calls upon all forces of the nation to unite in defense of constitutional order and national sovereignty.” – President Andry Rajoelina’s office
As Madagascar navigates this precarious moment in its history, the outcome remains uncertain. The interplay between young activists demanding change and a government struggling to maintain order will be pivotal in shaping the country’s future.
