The Take Will Madagascar’s coup overshadow its Gen Z revolution?
Oct 17, 2025
Rose Mumanya, a Nairobi-based political risk analyst specializing in Madagascar, shares her insights on the remarkable protests that led to President Andry Rajoelina's flight and Colonel Michael Randrianirina's self-declaration as president. She discusses the motivations behind the Gen Z protests, including demands for essential services and opposition to corruption. Mumanya warns that while military involvement might seem hopeful, it could perpetuate existing power dynamics. She also explores the historical context of instability and the fragility of Madagascar's institutions.
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Army Fills Institutional Vacuum
- Madagascar's weak institutions make the army the most organized and legitimate power broker in crises.
- Political tensions between the president and business elites created a ripe moment for military intervention.
Protests Driven By Basic Needs
- Youth protests focused on basic services like water and electricity and on economic neglect and corruption.
- Gen Z mobilized around genuine socioeconomic grievances, not only abstract political demands.
Unequal Streets Of Antananarivo
- Rose describes stark inequality she witnessed: five-star hotels adjacent to slums and begging next to luxury cars.
- These visible inequalities fuel youth anger and resentment toward elites and politicians.