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# Madagascar’s Gen Z Protesters Reflect on One Year Since President Rajoelina’s Ouster
- URL: https://www.africaandbeyond.org/madagascars-gen-z-protesters-reflect-on-one-year-since-president-rajoelinas-ouster/
- Published: 2026-09-25T15:23:05.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T15:23:05.000Z
- Description: A year after youth-led protests toppled Andry Rajoelina, Madagascar’s Gen Z activists express disillusionment with the military-backed government that replaced him.
- Author: Africa & Beyond News Correspondent

On the first anniversary of the mass protests that led to the fall of Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, the country’s Generation Z activists are voicing a profound sense of betrayal. The youth-led demonstrations, which erupted across the island nation in 2025, successfully pressured Rajoelina to step down, ending his controversial tenure. However, the military-backed government that has since taken power has failed to meet the expectations of many young protesters.

These activists, who were at the forefront of the protests, had hoped for a transition to a more democratic and accountable government. Instead, they describe the current regime as a continuation of authoritarian practices under a different guise. The military’s prominent role in governance has raised concerns about the erosion of civilian rule and the suppression of dissenting voices.

Madagascar’s political landscape prior to the protests was marked by widespread dissatisfaction with corruption, economic stagnation, and limited opportunities for the youth. The Gen Z movement harnessed social media and grassroots organizing to mobilize large-scale demonstrations, signaling a new era of political engagement among young people.

Despite the initial optimism following Rajoelina’s departure, the protesters’ disappointment highlights the complexities of political change in Madagascar. The military-backed government has promised reforms but has yet to deliver substantial improvements in governance or economic conditions.

Observers note that the situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about the country’s political future and the role of the military. The youth activists continue to advocate for genuine democratic reforms and greater inclusion in decision-making processes.

**What happens next** will depend on the government’s willingness to engage with civil society and address the root causes of unrest. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the unresolved challenges facing Madagascar’s democracy and the persistent aspirations of its younger generation.

**Africa & Beyond — News | Analysis | Perspective**