Date: 29 October 2025
“We, the youth, demand electricity and water. We are against the abuse of power, against corruption, against the neglect of human rights, and against the other threats faced by the Malagasy people.”
Gen Z protesters
Despite the challenges that followed the protests, the movement has opened a new chapter for Madagascar by strengthening public awareness, civic engagement, and the role of young people in shaping the country’s future. The events sparked a renewed national conversation on transparency, good governance, and accountability, while encouraging citizens, especially youth, to participate more actively in public life. One of the most significant positive outcomes has been the growing space for free expression: young Malagasy can now voice their opinions more openly on social media, mobilize their communities, and contribute to public debates without fear. This new dynamic offers hope for a more inclusive, democratic, and forward-looking society, where dialogue, unity, and continued peaceful engagement can drive lasting and meaningful change.
Looking ahead, Malagasy youth stress that the future must be built on unity, peaceful civic engagement, and leadership committed to creating a fair, transparent, and inclusive society for the next generation.
| From water supply cuts and power outages to regime change
On September 25, 2025, thousands of young people in the capital of Antananarivo started a protest movement, known as Gen Z Madagascar. Fueled by daily severe water supply cuts and power outages lasting more than 12 hours a day, the protest spread to other cities across Madagascar such as Antsiranana and Antsirabe. During the protest, protesters denounced injustices, including inequality, unemployment, living costs, and corruption. They later called for the reform of the political system and the president’s resignation. In response to their demands, the government used its forces. Several young people were injured, arrested, and lost their lives.
Malagasy youth make their voices heard
Gen Z Madagascar members initially organized all movements and mobilized people through social media sites such as Facebook and TikTok, which was inspired by international examples. Once the protests started, civil society groups, labor unions and politicians joined the demonstrations at Antananarivo’s May 13th Square. Similarly to the Gen Z in Indonesia and Nepal , Gen Z Madagascar used a flag showing a skull and cross bones with a straw hat from the Japanese manga series “One Piece”. The protests were marked by clashes. According to the UN human rights office, at least 22 people have been killed and more than a hundred injured. On September 29, the President dissolved his government. Later, he fled the country after a military coup on October 11, supported indirectly by the protests.
Youth engagement: key to challenges and hope for democracy
Malagasy youth face major challenges, including high unemployment, corruption, and lack of access to essential services and opportunities. However, these obstacles also fuel a strong desire for change and unprecedented mobilization. Thanks to their creativity, particularly on social media, young people are organizing peaceful actions and proposing alternatives to overhaul the political system. This dynamic offers a real opportunity to strengthen democracy by placing young people at the heart of decision-making and promoting inclusive dialogue to build a just and transparent future.
Members of the YDC who contributed to this section:
Tojoniaina Alain Randrianaritiana, Malagasy Youth Initiative (MYI)
Tiana Harimiora RANDRIANARISON, Club Civique et Citoyen
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