In September 2025, Madagascar erupted in unprecedented youth-led protests against chronic electricity and water shortages. The demonstrations, originating in the capital Antananarivo and spreading to multiple cities, were initiated by the group “Gen Z Madagascar,” which publicly condemned “constant power outages and a lack of access to drinking water,” along with “systemic corruption within institutions” and “extreme poverty affecting much of the population” (Le Monde). The capital has faced power outages lasting up to eight hours a day, severely impacting daily life, including academic work for students.
The government’s reaction to these demands was harsh and violent, with security forces using teargas, rubber bullets, beatings, and reportedly live ammunition against protesters. This violent crackdown shocked the international community. The United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk expressed deep concern, stating:
“I am shocked and saddened by the killings and injuries resulting from the violent response to peaceful protests in Madagascar”
and stressed the importance of respecting the “freedom of expression and peaceful assembly” while calling for “immediate investigations and accountability” for the violence inflicted on protestors (OHCHR).
Government Actions and Public Reactions
Faced with escalating unrest and international scrutiny, President Andry Rajoelina—re-elected in 2023 amid controversy—announced on September 29, 2025, the dissolution of his government. In a speech, Rajoelina acknowledged the government’s failures:
“If errors have been made, I acknowledge them, and I am actively seeking solutions to rectify everything”
(Reuters). His administration promised comprehensive reforms, assistance for victims of looting, and direct dialogue with the protesting youth. However, tensions remain high with the implementation of dusk-to-dawn curfews in several cities, including the capital, aimed at curbing unrest.
The protests were inspired by similar youth movements in Kenya and Nepal, adopting peaceful yet symbolic flags and effective online mobilization strategies to voice their demands for water and electricity restoration. Protesters explicitly called for the resignation of Prime Minister Nts and President Rajoelina, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with governance and public service failures (CNN, Reuters).
Societal Impact and Stakeholder Perspectives
The protests led to significant disruption in Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest countries where over 75% of the population lives below the poverty line. The unrest included widespread looting, property damage, and school closures. The Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar deplored the violence and destruction, emphasizing the need for peace and dialogue:
“We call on citizens to draw closer together, forgive one another, and move toward peace and dialogue in order to find urgent and lasting solutions that lead to harmony and development”
(Council of Christian Churches).
The movement emanates from deeply rooted structural problems—electricity supply mismanagement, particularly due to falling water levels in hydroelectric dams during the dry season and systemic corruption at the national utility company Jirama. The protests highlight long-term frustrations with essential service failures impacting education, work, and basic living standards on a wide scale (Le Monde).
