The struggle of Gen Z hijacked in Madagascar

In late September 2025, mass protests erupted against the incessant and increasingly prolonged power cuts, as well as against the corruption of the ruling Rajoelina clan. Eight months later, the hopes of Gen Z, which had mobilised en masse, have faded, giving way to mixed feelings of despondency and anger.

Recurring problems with no solution

As repression rained down on the population during the protests, the army’s intervention was greeted with relief. On 12 October, upon taking power, Colonel Michael Randrianirina affirmed his intention to resolve the problems swiftly and to organise elections within two years.

From the very first weeks of their takeover, the military made unilateral decisions, without any consultation with the country’s key stakeholders, whether regarding the successive appointments of prime ministers or the structuring of power, with the appointment of several vice-presidents.

The organisation of a national conference, aimed at addressing the structural problems facing Madagascar and finding solutions, has been entrusted to the Federation of Christian Churches, which is not among the most progressive when it comes to women’s rights.

Finally, the recurring problems of power cuts are likely to persist, given the adoption of a budget that prioritises expenditure linked to the presidency.

A strengthened personal power base

Since formalising his candidacy for the presidential election, Randrianirina has been consolidating his power in order to win the vote, scheduled in principle for 18 months’ time.

He is using methods similar to those of previous regimes, building a patronage network and resorting to repression. Under the guise of fighting corruption and defending the state, arrests and disappearances have been reported.

Six leading members of Gen Z have been arrested, and two of them have been subjected to violence. Although they have been released, a climate of fear is taking hold.

We are also witnessing the militarisation of Madagascar, with the establishment of security cooperation with Russia. Russia has supplied weapons, trucks and two helicopters. Soldiers from the Africa Corps have been deployed to train the Malagasy army, but also to protect the transitional president, which speaks volumes about the weakness of his authority over the military.

The decision by the Malagasy electoral commission is not going to allay these concerns. Indeed, in preparation for the presidential election, the commission is set to sign a cooperation agreement with its Russian counterpart – a country which, in terms of transparency, inclusivity and electoral democracy, is not – as we must agree – a model of its kind, unless the aim is to install a dictatorship in the country.

7 May 2026

Translated by International Viewpoint from l’Anticapitaliste.