It is now one year since Madagascar’s Gen Z protesters helped oust their president from office but activists criticize military-led transition for falling short on reforms promised. The protests that initially started over shortage of power and water have grown into a debate over arrests, political reform, and military control of Madagascar in future.
How the Military of Madagascar Rose to Power
The protests were triggered on September 25, 2025, over continued electricity and water shortages that later grew into protests for political change and led to deaths of at least 22 people, according to the UN.
One of the biggest developments occurred in October, when the elite Corps d’Administration des Personnels et des Services Administratifs et Techniques, known as CAPSAT, began joining the protesters. The president of Madagascar fled the country, and the military took over, claiming control of the government.
On October 17, 2025, Michael Randrianirina, CAPSAT commander, became the transitional president. He promised an 18 to 24-month transitional period, with reforms followed by elections.
Government Changes Raise Further Concerns
The transition faced another important development in March 2026, when Randrianirina dismissed Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and dissolved the entire government for reasons not explained to the public. Rajaonarivelo was named prime minister soon after the military takeover.
Mamitiana Rajaonarison, known for her connections with financial intelligence and anti-corruption agencies of Madagascar, was named the new prime minister.
She was one of the 30 ministers in a new Cabinet revealed on March 25, which included both former and new members.
This reshuffle raised further questions concerning the balance of security functions and commitment to restoration of civilian governance under the military-led transition process.
Activists of Generation Z Get Arrested
For some of the young activists who have been responsible for organising the first protests, the transition process has not been delivering on expectations.
When they protested in April calling for faster changes, several of them got arrested. Herizo Andriamanantena, one of the notable leaders of the protests, reported to AFP that they had been accused of posing a danger to the security of the state.
The young people have been criticising the pace of reforms, saying that some practices they were against under the previous regime have been continuing under the new regime.
What is to Come for Madagascar?
According to Randrianirina, elections will be organised during the transition period, and the government has specified 2027 as the year in which it will happen.
At the same time, the grievances that were raised in the first protests, such as unstable utility systems, poverty, and governance issues, have continued to be relevant.
In this way, the coming anniversary takes place under different political circumstances. The protests have been successful in overthrowing Rajoelina, but the activists who have been protesting have now been demanding concrete changes in the institutions and economy from the new government.
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