Madagascar’s youth have just pulled off something extraordinary—a revolution fueled by Gen Z’s relentless energy and a deep desire for change. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it a triumph of democracy, or did it simply swap one form of power for another? Let’s dive into the story that’s shaking the island nation to its core.
As the sun dipped below the horizon at Place du 13 Mai in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, the air buzzed with celebration. Thousands of people danced, cheered, and waved to the rhythm of rap and reggae, their voices blending with passionate speeches. This wasn’t just a party—it was a declaration of victory. But how did we get here?
It all began on September 25, when young protesters took to the streets, initially rallying against water and power outages. And this is the part most people miss: What started as a demand for basic services quickly escalated into a call for a complete overhaul of the political system. The government’s response? Military police blocked their path to Place du 13 Mai, a historic symbol of democracy and the heart of anti-government protests since 1972, when 40 students were killed there by security forces.
The tide turned on October 11, when the elite military unit Capsat—responsible for military personnel and logistics—unexpectedly sided with the protesters. They escorted the crowd to Place du 13 Mai, and within hours, President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country on a French military plane to Dubai. By Friday, Capsat’s commander, Col. Michael Randrianirina, was sworn in as transitional president, promising to hold power for 18 to 24 months.
The young protesters, united under the banner of ‘Gen Z Madagascar,’ were ecstatic. Many credited Capsat for their support, while others expressed unease about transitioning from civilian rule to military governance. One thing was clear: their fight for a better Madagascar was far from over.
Antonio, a 17-year-old with shaggy hair and a black face mask, captured the spirit of the movement. After delivering a rousing speech to the crowd at Place du 13 Mai, he emphasized, ‘The protests aren’t over. We must stay vigilant.’ He praised Capsat for enabling their access to the sacred square but reserved his most heartfelt gratitude for his fellow Gen Z activists: ‘They gave us the victory.’
Madagascar, an island nation off Africa’s southeast coast, is a land of contrasts. With a population of 32 million, it boasts incredible biodiversity, precious gems, and vanilla fields. Yet, it’s also one of the poorest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of just $545 in 2024, ranking 140th out of 180 in Transparency International’s corruption index. Under Rajoelina’s rule, little had changed for the Malagasy people—only 5% have formal salaried jobs, and GDP per capita has risen a mere 22% since 2009.
Here’s the twist: Rajoelina himself came to power in a 2009 coup backed by Capsat. After stepping down in 2014, he returned to the presidency in 2019 and 2023, the latter election boycotted by the opposition amid allegations of rigging. With over half the population under 20, it’s no surprise that youth frustration boiled over when two councillors were arrested for organizing protests against utility outages.
Gen Z Madagascar, a leaderless group, quickly mobilized online via Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and Signal. Inspired by Gen Z movements in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Nepal—where protesters recently toppled the government—they adopted the skull and crossbones flag from the anime One Piece, replacing the straw hat with a pink and green satroka bucket hat, a nod to Madagascar’s Betsileo ethnic group. This flag now waves proudly at Place du 13 Mai.
The government’s initial response was brutal. At least 22 people were killed in the first days of protests, according to the UN, with some shot by the gendarmerie and others caught in violence involving criminal gangs. Rajoelina disputed the death toll, claiming only 12 ‘looters and vandals’ had died. But the turning point came when Capsat refused to fire on protesters and called on the military to join them, though clashes with the gendarmerie continued, resulting in injuries like Aina Sarobidy Randriamiharisoa, who lost his leg after being shot during the protests.
Randrianirina, the new military leader, has denied staging a coup, insisting, ‘A coup involves bloodshed. This is not a coup.’ Yet, his past arrest for allegedly plotting a coup in 2023 raises questions. While some Gen Z protesters applaud his bloodless intervention, others fear their revolution is being co-opted. Activist Tiana, 26, worries, ‘We don’t feel included in the decisions. He listens but doesn’t consult us.’
So, what’s next for Madagascar? Is this a step toward genuine reform, or a temporary shift in power dynamics? What do you think? Is this a victory for Gen Z, or a cautionary tale about the complexities of revolution? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
