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Rizwana S Banu
13 October 2025 |
In the news
On 25 September, youth-led protests erupted in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, over power outages and water shortages. At least five people were killed during the clashes with the security forces.
On 26 September, the protests continued across various cities, including Antsirabe and Antsiranana. The government dismissed the Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Olivier Jean Baptiste, citing failure to address the power issues.
On 29 September, President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the government in response to escalating protests. However, the protests continued, with protesters demanding systemic reforms. The UN reported at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries.
On 1 October, despite the government's dissolution, protests intensified in Antananarivo and other regions. Security forces continued to use force to disperse crowds, leading to further casualties. The Presidency urged “calm and dialogue.”
On 2 October, youth-led protests continued; protesters marched towards cities such as Toliara and Diego Suarez.
Issues at large
First, socio-economic issues at the root. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Madagascar's youth unemployment rate stood at 5.39 per cent in 2024, three times higher than adult rates. This is one of the major reasons that angered the educated young generation. Meanwhile, the rising costs of living and limited access to essential services such as electricity and clean water intensified the grievances. According to Trading Economics, the inflation rate was reported at 8.4 per cent in June 2025, reflecting the economic instability. The UN noted that such inequalities served as structural triggers for unrest, particularly when the young population feels excluded from economic growth.
Second, the nature of Gen-Z protest. The protests were carried out by the Gen-Z population, reflecting a shift in political engagement in the country. The Gen-Z population utilised social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to organise protests, share narratives, and gain support. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlighted that “digital activism allows young people to amplify local struggles to a global audience.” The Gen Z participation also reflected a preference for decentralised and leaderless forms of mobilisation, similar to that of the Nepal protests earlier this year and the Kenyan protests in 2024.
Third, bad governance. Corruption and lack of transparency have eroded trust in public institutions. Transparency International reported that governance deficits in Madagascar hinder effective service delivery and deepen inequality. The World Bank noted that inadequate governance and policy gaps have created socio-economic distress, contributing to cycles of unrest, with over 75 per cent of the population living below the poverty line in the country. Weak institutional frameworks and delayed policy responses to pressing issues contributed to public dissatisfaction.
Fourth, the state’s response to the protests. The reliance on security measures such as arrests, dispersals, and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets reflected a harsh approach to dissent. Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the government's response and said that such approaches tend to escalate tensions rather than resolve the crisis. The absence of open dialogue or effective communication channels worsened the situation. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has emphasised that “respect for peaceful assembly and dialogue is essential to resolving civic unrest.”
In perspective
The protests were not only a reaction to immediate issues of power and water shortages, but also an expression of deeper frustration over long-standing economic issues. This approach contrasts with the traditional nature of protests that relied on formal organisational structures, enabling Gen-Z to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and reach a broader audience. The digital nature of this protest made their grievances more visible and harder to ignore, adding a new dimension to protests in Madagascar. Social media platforms enabled rapid mobilisation, real-time updates, and wider outreach. This represents a growing trend among young activists who are using digital tools to challenge bad governance. However, the dissolution of the government is unlikely to address the issues behind the protests. Without substantive reforms, the protest may continue for a long time.
About the author
Rizwana S Banu is an undergraduate student at Madras Christian College, Chennai.
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