Madagascar’s Gen Z Leads the Charge for Change—But Who Will Step In?
The streets of Antananarivo are alive with the chants of thousands of young protesters demanding the ouster of President Andry Rajoelina. But here’s the catch: while their anger is palpable, their vision for what comes next is strikingly unclear.
A Movement Fueled by Fury, But Lacking a Roadmap
The protests, led largely by Madagascar’s Generation Z, mirror a global wave of youth-led uprisings against inequality, corruption, and failing public services. Yet, unlike past revolutions, this movement lacks a clear successor plan—raising fears of a military takeover. And this is the part most people miss: the very military that once backed Rajoelina in 2009 has now sided with the protesters. Could history repeat itself with another authoritarian regime?
‘He Has to Go—But Then What?’
At the heart of the demonstrations is a visceral demand for Rajoelina’s resignation. ‘He has to quit. Immediately,’ insists Angie Rakoto, a 21-year-old law student, echoing the sentiments of crowds gathered at May 13 Square—a symbolic site named after Madagascar’s 1972 youth revolution. But when pressed about who should replace him, she admits, ‘Honestly, I’ve no idea.’
This uncertainty is widespread. Protesters are united in their disdain for Rajoelina, who fled the country aboard a French military aircraft, but divided—or simply uninformed—about the next steps. Constitutionally, Senate leader Jean André Ndremanjary should assume power temporarily. Yet, with no unified leadership among the protesters and the military’s growing influence, a power vacuum looms. But here’s where it gets controversial: many demonstrators seem oddly untroubled by the prospect of military rule, despite Madagascar’s history of economic mismanagement under past junta leaders.
Global Echoes of Discontent
Madagascar’s unrest is far from isolated. From Morocco to Peru to Nepal, young people are rising up against systemic failures: skyrocketing living costs, unemployment, and crumbling infrastructure. In Antananarivo, protesters wielded a chilling symbol—a ‘One Piece’ manga-style skull flag—a nod to the global Gen Z protest aesthetic. Their message? ‘We’re done being ignored.’
Yet, Madagascar’s plight is uniquely dire. Despite its rich exports—vanilla, nickel, and sapphires—75% of its population lives on less than $2.15 a day. Power outages and water shortages are daily agonies. ‘We ask for jobs, electricity, affordable rice—and what do we get? Damned speeches,’ fumes Andre Hassana, a 26-year-old tour guide. But will replacing Rajoelina really change anything? Hassana believes so: ‘Malagasy people are good learners. We won’t tolerate this again.’
The French Factor and the Poverty Trap
Many protesters blame France, Madagascar’s former colonizer, for their woes—a sentiment amplified by Rajoelina’s dual citizenship and perceived ties to Paris. Meanwhile, the island’s youth face a brutal reality: even with a master’s degree, like call center worker Mamisoa Ravonsinirina, survival is a struggle. ‘I tell [people] things will get better,’ he says, ‘but I know the reality.’
The Million-Dollar Question: What Now?
With Rajoelina in hiding and no clear successor, Madagascar stands at a crossroads. Will the military seize control? Can a fractured protest movement unite behind a leader? Or will this uprising fizzle into another cycle of unmet promises?
Here’s a thought to debate: Is a military transition truly a ‘lesser evil’—or a dangerous gamble? Share your take in the comments.
