Antananarivo, Madagascar — Colonel Michael Randrianirina has taken office as Madagascar’s new president, following the Gen Z-led uprising that precipitated a military takeover in the country. The young generation’s protests, fuelled by frustration over poor public services, led to cabinet resignations and ultimately reshaped the political landscape.
The unrest began in late September 2025, primarily in the capital, Antananarivo, but quickly spread to other major cities.
Recurrent electricity outages and water-supply disruptions exposed longstanding infrastructure failures and deepened public dissatisfaction, particularly among the youth, who make up the majority of Madagascar’s population under 25.
Dubbed Gen Z Madagascar, the movement is largely composed of students, recent graduates, and young professionals. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram played a central role in organizing protests, sharing updates, and amplifying demands for accountability. Protesters also adopted cultural symbols such as the One Piece pirate skull-and-crossbones, signalling solidarity and defiance.
Despite government bans, large-scale demonstrations kicked off on September 25, 2025, leading to clashes with security forces. The UN estimates around 22 people were killed during the protests. Mounting pressure prompted the government to dissolve the cabinet under Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, but demonstrators escalated their demands, calling for President Andry Rajoelina to resign.
The turning point came when the elite military unit CAPSAT defected and sided with the protesters, enabling the coup in October 2025. With Randrianirina now sworn in, the nation enters a period of uncertain transition, with Gen Z activists closely monitoring whether the military takeover will result in substantive reforms or simply a change in leadership.
While the immediate crisis has subsided, protesters continue to demand reliable utilities, transparent governance, and protection of human rights. Amnesty International has called for investigations into the use of deadly force and the repeal of laws that criminalize protest.
Madagascar’s Gen Z has demonstrated that youth activism, digital mobilization, and coordinated civil action can reshape political realities—even in the face of entrenched power. The key question now is whether this momentum will lead to lasting change.