Madagascar Gen Z protests in pictures
Thousands of young people have been protesting against the government of the East African island nation for weeks. Power outages and water shortages sparked the protest, but now this generation is fighting for more.
Madagascar's government under pressure
Since September 25, 2025, thousands of people have taken to the streets in Madagascar's capital. The protest movement, known as Gen Z, is demonstrating against corruption and mismanagement. It is calling for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and the dissolution of the Senate, the Constitutional Court, and the Electoral Commission.
Gen Z's outrage and frustration
Many of the protesters are under 30 years old and organize the protests via social media. The protests were triggered by regular power outages lasting more than 12 hours a day and problems with the water supply. "There are about 120 hours of power cuts per week where I live," reports a 21-year-old protester. "We are protesting for everyone's sake."
Police crackdown
Security forces are cracking down hard on the demonstrators. They are using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. In response to the ongoing protests, President Rajoelina dismissed his entire government. He then appointed General Ruphin Fortunat Dimbisoa Zafisambo as prime minister. However, the protest movement is still not satisfied.
Deaths and injuries amid violent clashes
In Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, demonstrators carry an injured person to safety. The United Nations says at least 22 people have been killed in the protests, with more than 100 injured. The world organization condemns the harsh security clampdown, especially the use of live ammunition. Local authorities dispute the UN figures.
symbol of protest
The pirate flag with a straw hat, the symbol of the protest movement, is borrowed from the Japanese manga comic "One Piece". Demonstrators from Gen Z around the world are using the flag in protests in Nepal, Indonesia, Peru, and France, among other places.
Gen Z garners local support
More than three quarters of Madagascar's nearly 33 million inhabitants live below the poverty line. Human rights activist Ketakandriana Rafitoson sees strong support for the protest movement among the general population.
Fighting for a new social contract
Wearing protective goggles and gloves, a demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back toward the security forces. The protest movement has so far been unimpressed by the appointment of the new prime minister. Activist Rafitoson says the younger generation is fighting for "a new social contract in which the state serves the people — not the interests of the elite."