Madagascar’s presidency has declared that an “illegal and forceful attempt to seize power” is currently unfolding, following the involvement of soldiers from an elite military unit in youth-led demonstrations against the government.
In a statement released on Sunday, President Andry Rajoelina’s office condemned the destabilizing efforts, urging all national forces to unite in defense of constitutional governance and the country’s sovereignty.
Although the statement did not specify the perpetrators behind the alleged coup attempt, members of the elite CAPSAT military unit-who previously played a key role in bringing Rajoelina to power-claimed to have assumed control over the armed forces amid three weeks of intense protests led by Generation Z.
“From this moment forward, all commands for the Malagasy army-land, air, and naval-will be issued from CAPSAT headquarters,” declared officers from CAPSAT’s administrative and technical division in a video message on Saturday.
It remains uncertain whether other military factions will comply with this directive.
Confronted with escalating demonstrations, Rajoelina is now facing the most severe political turmoil of his presidency in this African island nation.
What exactly is unfolding in Madagascar? Could this mark the downfall of Rajoelina? And what are the core demands of the Gen Z protesters?
Current Developments
For the third consecutive week, protests organized by a group identifying as Gen Z Madagascar have filled the streets. Saturday saw one of the largest gatherings since the unrest began last month, sparked by issues such as soaring living costs and government corruption.
Addressing the crowd from an armored vehicle, Colonel Michael Randrianirina of the CAPSAT unit remarked on Saturday, “Is this a coup? I’m not sure yet.”
The CAPSAT officers announced the appointment of General Demosthene Pikulas as the new army chief, a position left vacant after the previous chief was named defense minister last week, according to AFP. However, the legitimacy of this appointment remains unclear.
No immediate statements came from other military units or the existing command structure.
Earlier on Saturday, soldiers clashed with gendarmes at a military barracks before joining the Gen Z protesters in the capital, demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.
Reasons Behind the Anti-Government Demonstrations
Starting on September 25, young activists began protesting against shortages of water and electricity, inspired by a global wave of Gen Z-led movements in countries like Kenya, Indonesia, Morocco, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
The protests quickly intensified, evolving into calls for the removal of Rajoelina, the dissolution of the Senate, and the elimination of privileges for business elites perceived to be allied with the president. Protesters also demand an official apology from Rajoelina for the violent crackdown that has resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to UN reports.
Madagascar, an island nation off Africa’s east coast with a population exceeding 31 million-80% of whom live in extreme poverty-has a long history of political upheaval. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, several leaders have been ousted through popular uprisings.
The Gen Z movement is pushing for “profound transformation to create a free, equal, and united society.”
Their agenda targets entrenched corruption, misappropriation of public funds, nepotism, inadequate access to essential services and education, and the establishment of a vibrant democratic system.
Rajoelina, now 51, first gained national attention in 2009 when, as mayor of Antananarivo, he led protests that culminated in a military-backed coup against then-President Marc Ravalomanana.
A military council initially took control before appointing Rajoelina as transitional leader. He was later elected president in 2018 and re-elected in 2023 amid an opposition boycott.
Understanding Gen Z Madagascar
The emblem of Gen Z Madagascar features a pirate skull and crossbones, inspired by the Japanese manga series One Piece. This symbol has become emblematic of Gen Z protest movements worldwide and is prominently displayed by demonstrators dressed predominantly in black in Madagascar.
From Kenya to Nepal, this icon-depicting a young pirate and his crew battling authoritarian regimes-has been adopted as a unifying image for youth-led activism.
In Madagascar, the symbol has been customized by adding a traditional Malagasy hat atop the skull.
The movement maintains an official website, active social media channels, and a GoFundMe campaign to support their cause. Their website declares: “A political movement by young people, for young people, dedicated to Madagascar.”
“Our voices were ignored on the streets,” the site states. “Now, empowered by digital tools and the spirit of Generation Z, we demand to be heard at the halls of power. After 16 years of stagnation, we call for transparency, accountability, and sweeping reforms.”
Rejecting President Rajoelina’s invitation for dialogue, the protesters responded: “We will not negotiate with a regime that suppresses justice advocates daily. This government speaks of dialogue but governs through force.”
Observers have drawn parallels between Madagascar’s youth-led protests and similar movements in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Kenya, which have successfully pressured political change. For instance, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following mass protests last month, while Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India after student-led uprisings in August 2024.
Globally, Generation Z-those under 30 years old-are spearheading a new wave of activism. Unlike traditional protests, these movements are often coordinated online through platforms like TikTok and Discord, enabling rapid dissemination of messages, strategic planning, and connection among young activists.
From Africa to Asia and Latin America, Gen Z protesters are rallying against corruption, economic struggles, climate inaction, and social inequality, demanding systemic reform.
Government Response
Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, speaking on state broadcaster TVM late Saturday, affirmed the government’s readiness to engage in dialogue with all groups-including youth, labor unions, and the military.
Zafisambo was appointed by Rajoelina after dissolving the previous cabinet last week in an attempt to quell the unrest, but this move has yet to ease public discontent.
Meanwhile, the army’s chief of staff, General Jocelyn Rakotoson, issued a statement on local media urging citizens to support security forces in restoring order through peaceful dialogue.
