Madagascar’s Gen Z activists say they feel betrayed by the country’s military-led government, one year after youth protests helped force former President Andry Rajoelina from power.
Several activists told AFP that they had expected significant reforms after the political transition. However, some say little has changed and accuse the new authorities of using tactics similar to those they previously opposed.
The movement is not united in that view. One faction has recently expressed support for President Michael Randrianirina, while other activists remain critical of his leadership.
Gen Z protests transformed Madagascar
The protests began on September 25, 2025, amid frustration over chronic water and electricity shortages.
The demonstrations later grew into a broader challenge to Rajoelina’s government. A turning point came when soldiers from the Capsat military unit joined the protesters.
Rajoelina subsequently fled Madagascar and the military seized power. Capsat commander Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as interim leader on October 17, 2025.
The unrest claimed at least 22 lives, according to the AFP report.
Herizo Andriamanantena, a prominent figure in the movement, told AFP that protesters initially felt joy and relief following the change in leadership. However, he said only limited changes followed.
Activists allege crackdown under new authorities
Tensions between some Gen Z activists and the new authorities later increased.
Herizo’s group called for another demonstration in April to protest what it considered the slow pace of promised reforms.
Herizo and five other activists were subsequently detained. He told AFP that authorities accused them of endangering state security and having contact with people allegedly planning another coup.
He spent 13 days in police custody.
Another activist, Nomena Ratsihorimanana, alleged that he was violently arrested and threatened. He was released after five days, according to AFP.
These accounts are allegations made by the activists. The AFP report did not include a response from the authorities to their specific allegations.
Lawyer Maromanana Aliarivelo also criticised the use of charges related to endangering state security. He told AFP that such accusations had long been used by those in power in Madagascar against critics.
Some activists describe transition as a ‘betrayal’
Felana Andriatahina, another activist involved in the movement, described developments since the transition as a “betrayal” in comments to AFP.
She argued that the protesters had played an important role in bringing the current authorities to power.
Andriatahina was part of the collective that operated the Gen Z Madagascar Facebook page during the 2025 demonstrations.
The page had around 200,000 followers at the height of the protests, according to AFP. It was hacked and later deleted shortly before the military switched sides.
Madagascar Gen Z movement remains divided
However, the Madagascar Gen Z movement is diverse and does not have a single position on the current government.
Political scientist Ketakandriana Rafitoson told AFP that the movement had split into several groups.
One faction has recently declared its support for Randrianirina. Meanwhile, other activists remain sceptical of the authorities.
Around 70% of Madagascar’s population is under 30, according to UNICEF figures cited by AFP. The movement mainly attracted urban and educated young people.
Elliot Randriamandrato, one of the administrators of the original Gen Z Madagascar Facebook page, also expressed concern to AFP about official events marking the anniversary of the protests.
Elections promised by end of next year
Randrianirina has promised elections by the end of next year, according to AFP.
Official anniversary events in Antananarivo were set to include a march, the unveiling of a commemorative monument and an address by Randrianirina at May 13 Square, a symbol of political protest in the country.
One year after the protests began, the Gen Z movement remains divided over the transition it helped bring about. Some activists accuse the authorities of failing to deliver meaningful change, while others continue to support the current leadership.