Madagascar: Gen Z protest leads to 22 deaths and over 100 injuries

In September 2025, Madagascar witnessed a powerful youth-led uprising spearheaded by Generation Z, marking one of the most significant political movements in the country’s recent history.

The protests were initially triggered by chronic water and electricity shortages, particularly in the capital Antananarivo, where the state-run utility Jirama failed to provide consistent services.

Frustration boiled over when two city politicians were arrested for planning a peaceful demonstration, galvanising thousands of young people to take to the streets. These protests quickly evolved from demands for basic services into a broader call for systemic political change.

The movement, known as “Gen Z Mada,” gained momentum through social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, where young activists organised rallies and shared footage of police crackdowns.

Protesters adopted a pirate flag with a straw hat—an homage to the manga One Piece—as a symbol of rebellion and unity.

Demonstrations spread across major cities, with students, civil society groups, and trade unions joining forces.

Their demands included the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina, the dissolution of key government institutions, and accountability for the deaths and injuries caused by security forces during the protests.

In response, President Rajoelina dismissed his entire cabinet and appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as Prime Minister, a move seen by many as an attempt to tighten control rather than address the protesters’ concerns.

Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and allegedly live ammunition, resulting in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to United Nations reports.

The government disputed these figures and labelled the protests a coup attempt, further escalating tensions. Despite the crackdown, the movement persisted, with demonstrators demanding justice and reforms.

The Gen Z protests in Madagascar reflect a broader global trend of youth activism challenging entrenched political systems.

Inspired by similar movements in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Chile, Malagasy youth are asserting their right to shape the future of their country.

Their use of digital platforms, creative symbolism, and peaceful resistance has captured international attention and sparked conversations about governance, accountability, and generational change.

Whether these protests lead to lasting reform remains uncertain, but they have undeniably shifted the political landscape and empowered a new generation of Malagasy citizens.