In a number of countries these movements succeeded in removing corrupt and authoritarian regimes. In this exclusive article Daniel Rakotoarison, a civil society activist from Madagascar, reflects on the Gen Z revolution in his country and what has happened in the months since the president fled and a new government took over. On 25 September 2025, young people in Madagascar (the Gen Z Collective) launched a peaceful protest to challenge years of power and water shortages caused by decade-long mismanagement at the national Water and Electricity Company.This act of civic resistance was met with severe police violence, which persisted for several weeks, highlighting both the state’s repressive response and the protest’s significance as a catalyst for social change.
As the Gen Z movement advanced, citizens organised a range of supportive initiatives, such as the formation of a bona fide lawyers’ association to guarantee immediate legal representation for those captured, as well as the establishment of crowdfunding campaigns, food and water distribution points, health checkpoints and safe houses for those fleeing police violence. Despite these acts of solidarity, in three weeks, the protest was marked by significant tragedy:at least 22 people, including children, were reportedly killed, hundreds injured and dozens detained. After three weeks of manifestation, the president’s stronghold collapsed as the military sided with the people.
Soon enough, Andry Rajoelina,the president of Madagascar, left the country, exfiltrated by the French army with their military plane. Consequently, he was impeached by the house of representatives, with 130 of 131 voting in favour of his destitution. The military seized power and said it intends to build a military-civil society coalition government while organising the next elections.
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The supreme court deemed the act constitutional. On the other hand, parts of theinternational community called it a coup and unconstitutional, and called for the ousted government to be restored. The United Nations was among the first to condemn the military seizure of power.
The Southern African Development Community also condemned it as a coup and sent an envoy to Madagascar to evaluate the situation and mediate talks. Then the African Union suspended Madagascar’s membership. The first diplomatic body to meet with the new head of state, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, was the Russian ambassador, while the leader of the opposition, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, known for his strong ties with Russia, became the president of the lower house. Many wondered if Russia played a role in the shift of power following the Gen Z movement.
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