Protests in Madagascar: A Struggle for Basic Services and Government Accountability

Since late September 2025, Madagascar has been engulfed in widespread anti-government protests that started primarily as a response to persistent power and water outages affecting daily life in the capital city, Antananarivo, and later spread to other major cities. The protests have evolved into a broader expression of frustration with systemic corruption, economic hardships, government mismanagement, and demands for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.

Roots of the Protests

The immediate cause of the unrest was the frequent and prolonged cuts in electricity and water supply in Antananarivo, which severely impacted households and businesses. These utility failures exposed the government's inability to provide basic services expected by citizens. The frustrations of the population, especially among young people, escalated rapidly. Protesters accused the administration of corruption and nepotism, pointing to the contrast between Madagascar’s significant natural resources and its status as one of the poorest nations globally. Approximately 75% of Madagascar's 30 million people live in poverty, with limited access to education and high unemployment compounding grievances behind the protests.

Escalation and Nationwide Impact

What began as a youth-led movement, notably involving students and young activists known as Gen Z Mada, intensified over weeks. The movement expanded beyond youths to incorporate civil servants, professional unions, and labor organizations voicing their dissatisfaction. Demonstrations have been marked by clashes with police, who have used tear gas and rubber bullets in attempts to disperse crowds, resulting in casualties and arrests. By mid-October 2025, reports confirmed that around 22 people, including protesters and civilians, had lost their lives due to escalating violence linked to both security forces' actions and incidents of looting and general disorder.

Political Responses and Government Changes

In an effort to quell unrest, President Rajoelina dissolved the government at the end of September and replaced the prime minister, hoping to signal responsiveness. He promised to rectify the failing utility infrastructure by increasing power production capacity. However, these measures were perceived by many protesters as insufficient and as attempts to consolidate power rather than address root causes.

Tensions reached a peak when parts of the military publicly supported the protesters. This unprecedented alignment intensified calls for Rajoelina’s resignation. By October, a coup d'état was carried out under military leadership, leading to the suspension of state institutions and the impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina. The military-appointed transitional council pledged to hold new elections within 60 days, raising hopes for political renewal amidst uncertainty about the future.

Social and Humanitarian Consequences

The ongoing protest movement and political turmoil have further strained Madagascar’s already fragile humanitarian situation. With millions reliant on precarious food and nutrition sources and vulnerable to disease outbreaks and climate shocks, the disruption of public services such as health and education due to strikes and unrest has worsened hardships. UNICEF and other agencies continue to operate, providing emergency support, but the conflict environment presents significant challenges to sustained humanitarian efforts.

Analysis

The Madagascar protests reflect a broader pattern seen in other nations where youth and civil society have mobilized against longstanding governance failures. The rise and fall of President Rajoelina mirror this dynamic; he himself rose to power years ago through protests led by young people and has now been challenged by a similar demographic demanding significant change. The anger over shortage of basic services — electricity and water — serves as a tangible symbol of deeper systemic issues including corruption, economic inequality, and lack of political accountability.

The military’s intervention represents both a critical juncture and a fragile transition phase. While the removal of Rajoelina aligns with protesters’ demands, the path toward stable governance and real reform remains uncertain. The key will be the military-led transitional authorities’ ability to facilitate inclusive political processes and deliver on promises of elections and institutional changes.

Conclusion

The protests in Madagascar underscore the urgency of addressing fundamental governance and socio-economic issues. The population’s call for reliable services, transparency, and an end to corruption demands concrete governmental response. As the country navigates political transition, the focus must remain on restoring essential services and responding to citizens’ rights and economic needs to prevent further unrest and pave the way for sustainable development.