Gen Z Madagascar’s Rise and the Place du 13 Mai Moment
In late September, a wave of youth-led demonstrations began in Antananarivo, Madagascar, initially sparked by everyday failures—water and power cuts—that soon evolved into a comprehensive demand for systemic political change. The gathering at Place du 13 Mai, a historic symbol of democratic expression, drew thousands of young people who chanted, danced, and listened to rousing speeches beneath a tropical dusk. The scene was more than a protest; it was a declaration that a new generation would decide Madagascar’s political destiny.
Organisers formed a leaderless network known as Gen Z Madagascar, coordinating across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and Signal. Many participants preferred anonymity, using aliases as they organized marches and marshalled resources. The mobilization drew inspiration from similar youth-led movements across Asia and Africa, adapting tactics and online organizing to the Malagasy context.
The Capsat Shift: A Pivotal Moment
On October 11, the elite military unit Capsat publicly aligned with the protesters, accompanying demonstrators to Place du 13 Mai. This notable endorsement shifted the balance of power and signaled a departure from the usual pattern of conflict between security forces and civilian protesters. The following day, President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country, marking a turning point in Madagascar’s political crisis. Capsat’s commander, Col Michael Randrianirina, was subsequently sworn in as transitional president, proposing an 18-to-24 month timeline for a transition away from the current regime.
Public Sentiment: From Celebration to Caution
Many Gen Z activists welcomed the change, insisting that their victory was not a time to relax but a moment to push for lasting reforms. Some leaders and protesters acknowledged that while the transition appeared to pivot away from a civilian-led democracy, it carried the potential to avert further bloodshed and preserve civilian oversight. Still, concerns persisted about entering a phase of military-led governance, even if briefly, and questions about how inclusive the transition would be for youth voices and civil society broadly.
Personal Stories From the Front Lines
Antonio, a 17-year-old speaker who addressed the crowd in Place du 13 Mai, framed the moment as a call for vigilance. “The protests are not finished and we must be vigilant,” he said, underscoring that the struggle was far from over even as the regime change unfolded. A 28-year-old activist, Randriamiharisoa, shared a stark shot of the consequences of the conflict: a leg amputated after being wounded by gunfire while protesting. His testimony highlighted the real human costs of political tumult and the resilience of those who continued to take to the streets despite personal risk.
The Political Landscape Ahead
Rajoelina’s return to power in 2019 and again in 2023 had already exposed Madagascar’s fraught political arena, where coups and contested elections have become recurring features. The Capsat intervention prompted debates about the role of the military in democratic transitions and the limits of civilian governance. Analysts emphasize that genuine reform will require broad-based inclusion, strong institutions, and transparent processes that ensure youth and marginalised communities have a stake in the country’s future.
A Generation’s Resolve
Despite questions about the longevity of a military-backed transition, Gen Z Madagascar remains persistent in their demands for accountability, better governance, and improved public services. The movement’s embrace of digital tools and decentralized organizing demonstrates a new political culture where young people demand a say in policy and leadership. As activists insist they will continue to advocate for reforms, the world watches Madagascar’s next chapter with wary optimism.
