‘We Can Be Proud of This Generation’: Madagascar’s Youth Lead Protests for Change

Gen Z demonstrators demand better living conditions and President Rajoelina’s resignation amid mounting political crisis

Madagascar has been gripped by large-scale youth-led protests for more than a week, with demonstrators calling for better living conditions and the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. At the forefront of the movement is Generation Z, a new wave of artists, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who say they are determined to bring change to their country.

Their demands include an end to crippling power outages, restoration of running water, improvements to the healthcare system, and protection of freedom of speech.

Calls for the President to Step Down

Despite escalating demonstrations, President Rajoelina has refused to resign, arguing that hidden forces are attempting to orchestrate a coup. In a Facebook video released Friday, he claimed protesters were being manipulated by political opponents and that plots were underway to destabilize the country’s energy infrastructure.

While he dismissed his government on September 29 in an effort to ease tensions, protesters insist that true reform cannot happen without Rajoelina himself stepping down.

A Generation Inspired by Global Movements

Many of Madagascar’s Gen Z protesters have found inspiration from youth-led protests across the globe, especially in Nepal and Bangladesh, where young people have mobilized against corruption and authoritarianism.

“Madagascar is on an island, we don’t really know what’s going on outside of it, and thankfully with social media we know that in fact we can if we want to,” said student Annah Rahajason, who helps supply protesters from a music studio in Antananarivo. “And it’s also thanks to Nepal, which influenced us, and in turn Madagascar has inspired others. And we can be proud of this generation.”

A Music Studio Becomes a Movement Hub

In Antananarivo, one of the city’s music studios has transformed into a central hub for the demonstrations. Here, artists and volunteers organize supplies, coordinate actions, and draw energy from music and creative expression.

The studio has become both a safe space and a symbol of how Madagascar’s youth are fusing creativity with activism, showing that their call for change is not only political but also cultural.

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From Peaceful Rallies to Violent Repression

What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly shifted after security forces responded with violence. Armed repression has left many young protesters injured and further hardened their resolve against the president’s leadership.

International observers have expressed concern, urging the Malagasy government to respect democratic rights and avoid excessive force.

Rajoelina Digs In

Rajoelina, who has faced waves of criticism during his presidency, remains defiant. In his recent public address, he suggested that the protests were not organic but rather driven by outside influence and political rivals seeking to destabilize Madagascar.

Despite his claims, the persistence and coordination of the youth movement suggest deep-rooted frustrations rather than manipulation.

A Nation in Political Uncertainty

The ongoing protests have plunged Madagascar into a state of political uncertainty. With no sign of compromise from either side, the country risks further instability at a time when its economy is struggling and many citizens face daily hardships.

Experts warn that if the crisis is not resolved through dialogue, the unrest could escalate further, with unpredictable consequences for both governance and the livelihoods of ordinary Malagasy people.

Pride and Resilience of a Generation

For many, the protests are about more than politics—they symbolize a generational shift in Madagascar. Youth leaders like Rahajason emphasize pride in their movement and hope that their actions will inspire others across Africa and beyond.

Whether or not Rajoelina resigns, the movement has already left its mark, proving that Madagascar’s young people are determined to shape their country’s future.

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