Madagascar Protests Intensify as Youth Wave Rejects Presidential Promises

Fri Oct 10 2025 10:58:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Tensions rise in Madagascar as protesters continue to clash with security forces in response to President Andry Rajoelina's promises, exacerbating demands for his resignation amid a backdrop of critical socio-economic issues.

Protests in Madagascar have escalated, with security forces using rubber bullets and tear gas against demonstrators opposing President Rajoelina's leadership. Following weeks of discontent over power shortages and governance issues, the youth-led group Gen Z Mada refuses to engage in dialogues with the government, insisting on the president's resignation for addressing fundamental human rights. Recent clashes have resulted in multiple injuries and the organization of a nationwide strike, reflecting the growing frustration among the Malagasy youth and the administration's tenuous promises for reform.

Security forces in Madagascar have fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the latest youth-led protest following two weeks of anti-government demonstrations that have rocked the Indian Ocean island. At least 1,000 protesters marched through Madagascar's capital on Thursday, some hurling objects at security personnel. The movement behind the protest, known as Gen Z Mada, rejected President Andry Rajoelina's offer to attend talks on Wednesday, demanding once again that he resign. The group argued they could not engage with a government that has been repressing them as they demand basic human rights.

According to news agency AFP, security forces \'charged at protesters with armoured vehicles\', adding that police had made numerous arrests. The protests began on 25 September, triggered by anger over persistent power and water shortages, and have escalated into broader dissatisfaction over corruption, high unemployment, and the cost-of-living crisis. Rajoelina held a town-hall style meeting at his palace on Wednesday with various groups of government supporters, despite Gen Z Mada's decision not to attend, and said he would step down in a year’s time if he hadn’t addressed their concerns by then.

“I swear that if power cuts persist in the capital within a year, I will resign,” he assured attendees, noting ongoing power projects aimed to alleviate outages. The president has faced increasing challenges managing the nation, with the youth movement calling for a nationwide strike following the expiry of their 48-hour ultimatum for his resignation. Despite promises for reform, street protests appear to have weakened although many citizens continue to express their dissatisfaction, highlighting a society visibly divided by governance issues.

While escalating police response methods have raised further concerns, the enduring protests mirror a broader sentiment of disenchantment with leadership and the urgent calls for accountability from a generation advocating for change in Madagascar’s socio-political landscape.