Gen Z Topples Madagascar’s Government 2025: Shocking Moments

Gen Z Topples Madagascar’s Government 2025: Shocking Moments as President flees the country. Madagascar has witnessed a historic uprising led by Gen Z protesters, culminating in the flight of President Andry Rajoelina from the country. The protests, which began over water and electricity shortages, quickly evolved into a nationwide movement against corruption, bad governance, and economic hardship.

This marks another example in a global wave of youth-led movements, following recent unrest in Nepal and Morocco, where Gen Z activists forced governments to resign or implement urgent reforms.

Gen Z Topples Madagascar’s Government 2025: Shocking Moments

1. The Start of the Gen Z Protests in Madagascar

Protests erupted on September 25, 2025, in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, initially focused on water and power shortages affecting millions of citizens. Youth activists, inspired by global Gen Z movements, used social media and symbolic imagery, including a Malagasy version of the Japanese manga One Piece logo, to mobilize demonstrations.

Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, opposition leader in parliament, confirmed to Reuters that the protests rapidly escalated into demands for President Rajoelina’s resignation, citing years of corruption, economic mismanagement, and neglect of basic services.

2. President Andry Rajoelina Flees

Amid mounting unrest, Rajoelina reportedly left Madagascar on Sunday, October 12, after units of the army defected and joined protesters. While his exact whereabouts remain undisclosed, the president addressed the nation in a Facebook live broadcast, claiming he had been forced to shelter in a “safe space” following assassination and coup attempts.

“Since 25 September, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me,” Rajoelina said, emphasizing his commitment to protect himself while maintaining a defiant stance.

Reports indicate that he may have been evacuated on a French military Casa aircraft, although French President Emmanuel Macron has not officially confirmed this.

3. CAPSAT Defects to Protesters

The elite military unit CAPSAT, which helped Rajoelina seize power during a 2009 coup, turned against him during the protests. CAPSAT announced it refused to fire on demonstrators and escorted thousands of protesters in Antananarivo’s main square.

The unit subsequently took control of Madagascar’s military, appointing General Demosthene Pikulas as army chief. This strategic move effectively shifted power away from Rajoelina, leaving him increasingly isolated.

Army and Paramilitary Support

Alongside CAPSAT, a faction of the paramilitary gendarmerie supporting the protests also assumed control of the gendarmerie in a formal ceremony, in the presence of senior government officials. These developments marked a significant turning point in the uprising, indicating a de facto takeover by military factions aligned with protesters.

4. Senate Leadership Changes

Public anger also targeted political institutions. The Senate president, a focus of protester frustration, was relieved of duties, and Jean André Ndremanjary was appointed temporarily.

Madagascar’s constitution mandates that the leader of the Senate takes charge in the president’s absence until elections are conducted.

This legal mechanism has provided a temporary framework for governance amid the ongoing political vacuum.

5. Youth-Led Demonstrations and Casualties

Protests have been largely youth-driven, with Madagascar’s median age below 20. Demonstrators criticized Rajoelina’s government for poverty, high unemployment, corruption, and rising living costs.

Eyewitnesses reported that at least 22 people were killed, including civilians caught in clashes with security forces. Over 100 were injured, and in one tragic case, a newborn died from smoke inhalation after exposure to tear gas.

Despite the deadly toll, protesters remained undeterred. Hundreds gathered outside city hall in Antananarivo, waving flags and chanting: “The president must quit now.”

Voices from the Protesters

22-year-old hotel worker Adrianarivony Fanomegantsoa told Reuters:

“In 16 years the president and his government have done nothing except enrich themselves while the people stay poor. And the youth, the Gen Z, suffer the most.”

Another demonstrator, Finaritra Manitra Andrianamelasoa, expressed hopes for reconciliation and elections:

“Afterwards, we can consider organising elections and determine who will be suitable to take the leadership role.”

6. Rajoelina’s Attempts to Appease Protesters

Before fleeing, Rajoelina made multiple attempts to placate demonstrators, including sacking his entire government and offering concessions. None of these measures succeeded in quelling the uprising, and protests persisted, signaling widespread disillusionment with his leadership.

7. Air France Suspends Flights

The growing instability prompted Air France to suspend flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Antananarivo from October 11 to 13, citing security concerns. The airline offered rebooking or refunds for affected passengers and stated it would reassess operations daily based on security conditions.

This highlights the international implications of Madagascar’s political crisis, affecting travel, commerce, and foreign investment.

8. Alleged Coup Attempt

Rajoelina’s office alleged a forcible seizure of power by military factions, including elements of CAPSAT. The president condemned the move as illegal, claiming it undermined constitutional authority.

However, CAPSAT officers publicly stated they had taken control of national security operations and refused to obey orders to fire on protesters. The military-appointed General Demosthene Pikulas reassured the public that forces were coordinating to maintain order.

9. France and International Reactions

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern while visiting Egypt, emphasizing the need to preserve constitutional order in Madagascar. Macron noted the youth protests were legitimate but warned against exploitation by military factions or foreign interference.

The African Union’s security council echoed these sentiments, firmly rejecting any unconstitutional change of government. Several members of Rajoelina’s inner circle, including former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, fled to Mauritius amid the turmoil.

Historical Context

Madagascar has faced multiple uprisings since independence in 1960. Notably, mass protests in 2009 forced President Marc Ravalomanana to step down, with Rajoelina installed as Africa’s youngest leader at age 34. He governed four years before returning to power in 2018.

Despite initial popularity due to his youth and entrepreneurial background as a DJ and media entrepreneur, allegations of cronyism and corruption have plagued his leadership.

10. Socioeconomic Factors Driving Protests

Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest nations, despite abundant natural resources. Key points include:

• Population: ~30 million, median age under 20.
• Poverty: ~75% live below the poverty line.
• Electricity access: Only one-third have reliable power.
• Exports: Vanilla, nickel, cobalt, textiles, and shrimp are main foreign earnings.
• GDP decline: Plunged 45% between independence in 1960 and 2020.

These socioeconomic pressures, combined with frequent power and water shortages, created fertile ground for youth-led activism.

Gen Z’s Global Influence

The Madagascar uprising is part of a broader Gen Z protest movement, which recently toppled governments in Nepal and challenged authorities in Morocco. Social media platforms and youth mobilization strategies have made Gen Z a powerful force for change, especially in regions with widespread inequality and corruption.

Also Read: How Madagascar’s Nepal-like Gen-Z protests forced its president to flee

Humanitarian and Political Implications

As protests continue, the humanitarian situation remains fragile. Security forces have clashed with demonstrators, raising concerns over:

• Civilian casualties and injuries.
• Disruption to essential services.
• Political instability affecting regional trade and security.

Meanwhile, Madagascar’s youth demand structural reforms, accountability, and fair elections to ensure future governance aligns with citizen needs.

Rajoelina’s Final Actions Before Fleeing

Before leaving, Rajoelina reportedly pardoned several individuals, including two French nationals convicted in a 2021 coup attempt. This move may have been an attempt to secure diplomatic goodwill amid escalating chaos.

He remains defiant, claiming he will not allow Madagascar to be destroyed, even while the army and paramilitary factions effectively control the country.

Conclusion: Madagascar at a Crossroads

Madagascar’s Gen Z-led uprising marks a historic moment in African youth activism. President Rajoelina’s departure, CAPSAT’s defection, and the temporary Senate leadership reflect a nation grappling with governance failures, youth discontent, and institutional instability.

The coming weeks will be crucial as Madagascar navigates potential elections, international scrutiny, and the challenge of rebuilding a nation long plagued by poverty and corruption. The world watches as Madagascar’s youth assert their power, demanding accountability, transparency, and meaningful change.

Also Read: Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus Decides to Stay Amid Political Turmoil and Calls for Reform