Madagascar’s government has been dissolved following days of mass protests led by the country’s youth, marking yet another example of Gen Z-driven movements reshaping governments in 2025.
President Andry Rajoelina announced the dissolution on Monday (29 September) after nationwide demonstrations erupted over severe electricity and water shortages, unemployment, and long-standing political frustrations. The protests — characterized by the slogan “We want to live, not survive” — were inspired by similar youth uprisings in Kenya and, most recently, Nepal. “I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems,” Rajoelina said in a televised address. He added that applications for a new prime minister would be received in the coming days, and that current officials would serve in interim roles.
The UN reports that at least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured, largely due to “unnecessary force” by security personnel. Protesters accuse the government of orchestrating looting through hired gangs to discredit the movement. The foreign ministry, however, rejected the United Nations’ casualty figures, calling them “misinformation.” The movement utilized digital strategies seen in previous protests abroad, including online coordination and symbolic flags borrowed from Nepal’s protest movement. Rajoelina, who first came to power after a 2009 uprising, now faces his most serious political crisis since being re-elected in 2023. His concessions reflect the growing impact of digitally savvy, globally inspired youth protests reshaping political landscapes across continents.