Madagascar‘s Gen Z Protests Continue despite Presidential Overture
Antananarivo, Madagascar – October 4, 2025 – Protests led by Gen Z activists in Madagascar are continuing, fueled by widespread discontent over power cuts, water supply issues, and calls for extensive political reform, despite a recent attempt by President andry Rajoelina to initiate dialog. The movement, known as gen Z Madagascar, remains resolute in its demand for change, with some members rejecting the president’s offer as insincere.
Rajoelina acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens, stating, “I heard the call, I felt the suffering, I understood the impact on daily life.” He expressed a desire to open channels for communication with young people, but insisted any talks be public and fully transparent.
However, skepticism runs deep within the protest ranks. An 18-year-old protester involved in managing Gen Z Madagascar’s social media accounts dismissed the president’s gesture,declaring,”It’s literally a mafia. They are going to try to speak to us, obviously, but it’s never going to be in our interest.”
The movement is drawing inspiration from youth-led protests across Asia. Activists have joined Discord servers associated with the Nepali movement and adopted a modified flag originating from the Japanese anime series one Piece. The flag, typically featuring a straw hat, has been adapted to include a satroka bucket hat, customary to Madagascar’s Betsileo ethnic group. Similar Gen Z-driven protests have been ongoing in Morocco since the weekend, with two fatalities reported near Agadir on Wednesday.
Malagasy officials have accused protesters of looting,a claim vehemently denied by the activists.Presidential spokesperson Lova Hasinirina Ranoromaro posted on Facebook on Wednesday, alleging job losses, property destruction, and home invasions, adding, “We don’t want a coup d’état.” Ranoromaro did not respond to further requests for comment.
Gen Z Madagascar members organized a cleanup day on September 26, asserting their commitment to remaining “constitutional” and avoiding a repeat of the 2009 coup. Despite acknowledging the risks – with some activists reportedly in hiding – they remain determined to press forward.
“I realised if I stop now, who’s gonna stand up again? If I don’t do it, who’s going to do it? If it’s not now, then when?” said a 25-year-old involved in the group’s social media operations. “Because it’s been 15 years that this regime has brought people to its knees and right now we’re standing up. So we are the last hope of this generation.”
