A generation's fight for freedom: how Madagascar's youth shaped their nation's destiny
In a vibrant scene at Place du 13 Mai, Antananarivo, Madagascar, thousands gathered, their spirits high as they danced and cheered to the beats of rap and reggae. This was more than just a protest; it was a celebration of a hard-fought victory.
It all began on September 25th when young voices rose against water and power cuts, demanding a complete overhaul of the political system. Initially, military police blocked their path to the symbolic square, a place that holds the memory of 40 student lives lost to security forces in 1972. But on October 11th, a turning point arrived with the support of Capsat, an elite military unit, who marched alongside the protesters, leading them to Place du 13 Mai.
The next day, President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country, and Capsat's commander, Col Michael Randrianirina, stepped in as the transitional president, promising a term of 18 to 24 months.
The young protesters, united as "Gen Z Madagascar," rejoiced at Rajoelina's ousting. While some expressed gratitude to Capsat for their support, others worried about the transition to military rule. Yet, all were determined to continue their fight for a better Madagascar.
Antonio, a 17-year-old with a shaggy mane, expressed his thoughts after addressing the crowd. "The protests are far from over; we must remain vigilant," he said. Antonio, who preferred to keep his identity private, had kind words for Capsat, acknowledging their role in facilitating their access to the sacred grounds of Place du 13 Mai.
But his greatest praise was reserved for his fellow activists: "Gen Z, the true protesters, are the ones who brought us this victory."
Madagascar, an island nation off Africa's southeast coast, stretching over 1,000 miles, is a land of rich biodiversity and natural resources, including precious gems and vanilla. However, beneath this beauty lies a nation plagued by poverty and corruption. With a GDP per capita of just $545, Madagascar ranks as one of the poorest countries globally, according to the World Bank. Transparency International's corruption perceptions index places Madagascar at 140 out of 180 countries.
Rajoelina, a former DJ turned civilian ruler, came to power through a coup instigated by Capsat in 2009. He stepped down in 2014 in favor of an ally but returned to the presidency in 2019 and again in 2023, facing opposition claims of a rigged election.
Under Rajoelina's rule, the lives of the Malagasy people saw little improvement. GDP per capita, already low, rose by a mere 22% since 2009. Only 5% of the population holds formal salaried jobs, according to the International Monetary Fund.
With a population that has more than doubled in 30 years, over half of whom are under 20, it's no surprise that the youth revolted when two councillors in Antananarivo were arrested for organizing a protest against water and electricity outages.
A leaderless group, Gen Z Madagascar, quickly formed online, using Facebook, Instagram, and Discord, a platform often used for gaming and socializing. They also utilized the secure messaging app Signal. Many protesters knew each other only by aliases.
Inspired by other Gen Z movements against corruption, such as those in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Nepal, Gen Z Madagascar adopted the skull and crossbones flag from the anime series One Piece, adding a twist by replacing the original straw hat with a pink and green satroka bucket hat, a symbol of Madagascar's Betsileo ethnic group. This flag now flies proudly in Place du 13 Mai.
The initial response from Malagasy security forces was brutal, with at least 22 people killed in the first days of the September protests, according to the UN. Rajoelina disputed this toll, claiming only 12 confirmed deaths, all of whom he labeled as looters and vandals.
However, the situation changed when Capsat announced on October 11th that they would not fire on protesters and called on the rest of the military to join forces with them.
Aina Sarobidy Randriamiharisoa, a mining truck mechanic, traveled 75 miles to join the protests. "I knew something was wrong, and change was needed," he said. Randriamiharisoa marched with friends on Saturday, but their path was blocked by the gendarmerie, who fired tear gas and live ammunition. Randriamiharisoa was shot in the left thigh, an injury that led to the amputation of his leg above the knee.
Despite this tragedy, Capsat's intervention shifted public perception. Dr. Velomahanina Razakamaharavo, a researcher at the University of Reading, explained, "Capsat's decision to step in was seen as an act of courage and solidarity. Their intervention stopped further bloodshed."
Col Randrianirina, the new military ruler, was previously the governor of the southern Androy district. He was arrested in 2023 on accusations of plotting a coup but was released with a suspended sentence. He now denies that his takeover is a coup, insisting that no weapons were used and no blood was shed.
While some Gen Z protesters reject the coup label, others worry that their revolution might be lost under the new regime. Tiana, a 26-year-old activist, expressed concern about their lack of inclusion in the decision-making process. "We want our voices heard as the political system is reformed," she said.
The future of Madagascar hangs in the balance as its youth continue their fight for a better, more just nation.
