Youth-led protesters demand the president’s immediate positive response within 24 hours, warning of escalated actions if ignored.
Published On 3 Oct 2025
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar has dismissed demands from a widespread youth-led movement calling for his resignation, accusing opposition forces of orchestrating a coup attempt.
Following a brief pause in nearly daily protests, demonstrators returned to the streets of Antananarivo on Friday. The group known as “Gen Z” has been vocal in its criticism of the president’s inability to ensure essential services such as reliable water supply and electricity.
According to the United Nations, the unrest that began on September 25 has resulted in at least 22 fatalities. On Friday, law enforcement used tear gas to break up crowds in the capital, as captured by Real TV Madagasikara.
In a message shared on his Facebook page, Rajoelina stated, “No one gains from the destruction of our nation. I remain here, ready to listen, to offer support, and to find solutions for Madagascar.”
He further alleged, without presenting proof, that certain political figures were exploiting the protests to plan a coup while he was attending the United Nations assembly in New York last week.
“My warning is clear: some individuals seek to dismantle our country,” he declared, refraining from naming specific culprits.
The Gen Z movement dismissed the president’s remarks as “meaningless,” vowing to implement “all necessary actions” if their demands are not met within a 24-hour timeframe.
Protests have also erupted in other regions, including the northern port city of Mahajanga and the southern urban centers of Toliara and Fianarantsoa.
Exploitation by External and Internal Actors
Despite Madagascar’s abundant natural resources, it remains one of the poorest nations globally, with the World Bank reporting that 75% of its 32 million residents lived below the poverty threshold in 2022.
In response to the escalating turmoil, President Rajoelina dissolved his cabinet on Monday and extended an invitation for dialogue. He also revealed on his X platform that he had engaged with various stakeholders over the past three days to address the crisis.
Foreign Minister Rasata Rafaravavitafika highlighted that Madagascar is confronting “a large-scale cyber offensive” alongside a “deliberate digital misinformation campaign” originating from abroad.
“Our specialized teams’ investigations indicate that this operation was orchestrated externally by an agency equipped with sophisticated technological resources,” she explained.
She further accused “opportunistic factions” of infiltrating the protests, aiming to manipulate vulnerable segments of Madagascar’s youth.
Rajoelina, who previously served as Antananarivo’s mayor, initially assumed power in 2009 following a coup triggered by a popular uprising that ousted former President Marc Ravalomanana.
After abstaining from the 2013 elections due to international pressure, he returned to power through elections in 2018 and secured re-election in 2023.
