15 October 2025 | 11:58 CAT
3-minute read

Madagascar’s Gen Z Uprising Topples President Amid Power Cuts, Corruption and Youth Discontent

Madagascar has been plunged into political crisis as mass protests led by young people—primarily Generation Z—forced long-time leader Andry Rajoelina from power. Sparked by widespread electricity and water outages, plus rising frustration over corruption and economic stagnation, these demonstrations escalated until the military defected and lawmakers impeached the president. The military has now dissolved most state institutions and promised elections in the near future.

Hafidh Ibrahim, speaking on this week’s Media Lens on Radio Islam, described the rise and fall of Rajoelina as part of a broader pattern where young people increasingly use digital platforms to demand accountability and disrupt entrenched power. He compared recent events in Madagascar to earlier Gen Z uprisings in Nepal and protests elsewhere, asserting that what is missing in much of the media coverage is an understanding of the underlying economic, political, and social conditions fuelling the unrest.

Ibrahim also noted that the army’s role was decisive. When elite military units defected, the tide turned against Rajoelina.

“He was on his way to France,” Ibrahim said, emphasising the urgency and unexpected speed of developments.

He warned that military coups replacing elected leaders often maintain dominance, even when elections are promised.

“When militaries come out of the barracks … it’s very difficult for them to go back in.”

Further, Ibrahim suggested that while protests were well covered in terms of the immediate triggers—service failures, unemployment, electricity cuts—what has been lacking is coverage of how youth disillusionment connects across regions and how globalisation has stoked inequality.

He stressed that until governance benefits civil society at large, not just elites, similar cycles of unrest are likely to recur.

“For cultures to be … involved … government officials, civil society, and civil services benefit from the events of the state … until that … team is supposed to be used to help the people, rather than just to involve a few elites, … the cycle will continue.”

Background sources confirm that since late September 2025 protests dubbed the “Gen Z Madagascar” movement have swept across the country, triggered by chronic power and water outages. Demonstrations have met police clampdowns, curfews, and widespread popular anger at corruption. At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured, according to the United Nations. Shortly before his ouster, in a bold move, President Rajoelina attempted to dissolve parliament—a step that was overturned by lawmakers who later voted to impeach him.

Going forward, key questions remain: whether the military leadership will truly restore civilian democratic governance; whether young people will stay mobilised and demand real structural reforms; and whether media narratives will broaden to include deeper political economy factors rather than just the immediate triggers.

Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina, first came to power via a coup in 2009, left office in 2014, and returned after winning elections.

The Gen Z Madagascar movement notably uses online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and other social media to organise and share protests.

International attention has focused not only on the political upheaval but also on human rights concerns: the use of force by authorities, deaths in the protests, and whether promises of democracy will be fulfilled. Amnesty International has called for thorough investigations of the deaths.

Listen to the Media Lens on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.