A year after mass protests forced Madagascar’s president into exile, Gen Z activists are claiming that the new authorities have disappointed them by not implementing the promised reforms.
The velvet revolution, as it was also called, began on the morning of 25 September 2020 when crowds of young people marched to the capital’s water pumps in protest against the chronic water and electricity shortages in the country.
Thousands of unarmed demonstrators unfurled giant protest banners reading “Madagascar deserves better”, and the anger grew louder until soldiers from the private security company Capsat entered the fray.
It was in October 2020 when President Andry Rajoelina went into exile and the military took over. Colonel Michael Randrianirina of the Capsat group was elected on 17 October 2020 as an interim head of state. The protests claimed at least 22 lives, including those who died in a violent crackdown by the government.
According to activist Herizo Andriamanantena , the change in power was welcomed with “joy and great relief”. However, he added that “there were little changes here and there”.
In April 2021, Herizo, along with five other activists, was arrested for staging a march in the capital. He said they were accused of undermining state security and being in contact with people suspected of plotting a new coup. Nomena Ratsihorimanana , an activist, noted that he was beaten during the arrest and warned of death. He was detained for five days.
According to lawyer Maromanana Aliarivelo, the charge of undermining state security is an old law that has been used by various governments in the past. Felana Andriatahina , an activist, said the situation was “a betrayal”.
The revolution was broad-based and attracted many young people, especially those from the capital who had higher education. It is estimated that about 100,000 people protested in the capital in early October 2020.
One part of the movement is showing loyalty to Randrianirina, who promised free elections by the end of next year. Nevertheless, many are disappointed in the new authorities because of the lack of reforms and large-scale protests are being prepared for the anniversary of the revolution in Antananarivo.
