On October 9, 2025, the streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar’s bustling capital, became the stage for the country’s most significant unrest in years. Roughly 1,000 mostly masked protesters, led by a youth-driven movement called "Gen Z Madagascar," marched through the city, clashing with police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades. The protests, now entering their third week, have shaken the Indian Ocean island nation and drawn the world’s attention to a country grappling with deep economic hardship and political turmoil.
The demonstrations began as an outcry against persistent water and power outages—an everyday frustration for millions in Madagascar. But, as reported by The Associated Press and corroborated by Business Standard, the movement quickly morphed into a broader condemnation of government corruption and nepotism. Protesters’ anger soon turned toward President Andry Rajoelina, with calls for his resignation growing louder by the day.
Police, patrolling in armored vehicles, charged at crowds in the Anosy and Mahamasina districts, where demonstrators had barricaded streets with rocks and burning tires near the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium. The authorities also imposed a vehicle ban around Democracy Square in the Ambohijatovo district and maintained a strong security presence. While it remains unclear whether anyone was injured in Thursday’s clashes, the United Nations has reported that the ongoing protests have left 22 people dead and dozens more injured. The government, however, disputes these figures, adding another layer of tension to an already volatile situation.
“The protests are led by a group calling itself ‘Gen Z Madagascar,’” AP noted, highlighting the generational shift in political activism. This group, mobilized largely through online platforms, has drawn inspiration from recent youth-led uprisings in Nepal and Sri Lanka—movements that succeeded in toppling sitting governments. The pirate skull and crossbones, a symbol that gained prominence in Nepal’s protests last month, has become the emblem of Madagascar’s youth movement as well, signaling a sense of global solidarity among disaffected young people.
The government’s response has so far failed to quell the unrest. In a dramatic move, President Rajoelina fired his entire Cabinet, a gesture that appeared to acknowledge the depth of public anger. But for many young protesters, this was too little, too late. On October 8, the president invited Gen Z Madagascar leaders to the negotiating table. They flatly rejected the offer, insisting that nothing short of his resignation would satisfy their demands for systemic change.
Looting has also been reported during the demonstrations, according to authorities. While the protesters’ core message remains focused on political reform and social justice, these incidents have complicated the public’s perception of the movement and provided the government with ammunition to justify its crackdown.
To understand the context of this unrest, it’s important to recognize Madagascar’s long history of political instability. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the country has seen several leaders forced out by popular uprisings. Rajoelina himself, now 51, first came to power in 2018 and was reelected in 2023—a vote boycotted by opposition parties, which has fueled skepticism about the legitimacy of his mandate.
Madagascar is a nation of about 31 million people, and the challenges it faces go far beyond politics. According to the World Bank, a staggering 80% of the population lives in severe poverty. The daily struggle for basic needs—clean water, reliable electricity, and affordable food—has left many feeling abandoned by those in power. These frustrations have found a powerful outlet in the Gen Z-led protests, which have united a generation around the urgent need for change.
During the most recent clashes, protesters barricaded major roads in Anosy and Mahamasina, creating a tense standoff with police. "Authorities banned cars from driving at Democracy Square in Ambohijatovo district and the surrounding area as police kept watch," Business Standard reported, underscoring the seriousness with which the government is treating the situation. Despite the heavy police presence, the movement shows no signs of slowing down.
The use of the pirate skull and crossbones as a protest symbol is more than just a nod to international movements—it’s a statement of defiance and a call for unity among young people across borders. "The protest movement has mobilized over the internet and the protesters say they were inspired by the demonstrations that toppled governments in Nepal and Sri Lanka," AP wrote. This sense of inspiration has helped sustain the protests, even as the government tries to regain control.
While the immediate spark for the demonstrations was the water and power crisis, the underlying issues run much deeper. Allegations of corruption and nepotism have dogged Rajoelina’s administration, fueling a sense of injustice that resonates with young people who see little hope for improvement under the current leadership. The firing of the Cabinet was seen by many as a symbolic gesture, rather than a meaningful step toward reform.
As the unrest continues, the government faces a difficult choice: engage in genuine dialogue with the protesters or risk further escalation. So far, both sides have shown little willingness to compromise. The protesters’ rejection of talks with Rajoelina on October 8 sent a clear message that they are not interested in half-measures. They want a new beginning for Madagascar, one that addresses the root causes of the crisis and offers real hope for the future.
Madagascar’s history is filled with moments of upheaval, but this latest wave of protests feels different. The energy and determination of Gen Z Madagascar, coupled with their ability to organize and mobilize online, have given the movement a staying power that previous uprisings may have lacked. The world is watching to see whether this young generation can succeed where others have failed—and what kind of future they will build if they do.
For now, the streets of Antananarivo remain tense, armored vehicles rumble through neighborhoods, and the air is thick with uncertainty. The outcome of this standoff could shape Madagascar’s destiny for years to come. One thing is clear: the voices of the nation’s youth are louder than ever, and they are determined to be heard.