Fresh from Ousting the Ruler, Gen Z Stages Major Protest Again in This Country

Political turmoil in Madagascar is heating up again after security forces arrested several young activists demanding democracy. Four Gen Z activists, namely Herizo Andriamanantena, Miora Rakotomalala, Dina Randrianarisoa, and Nomena Ratsihorimanana, were officially detained on Sunday (12/04/2026). Citing The Guardian, the arrests occurred just two days after the youths took to the streets demanding certainty on the date of general elections. Aliarivelo Maromanana, the lawyer for the activists, revealed that his clients were accused of criminal conspiracy and endangering state security without clear evidence. “They all deny it and there is no evidence at all,” said Maromanana. The string of arrests did not stop there, as two other activists were arrested again on Wednesday night by local authorities. This news was confirmed by the Gen Z 261 group, one of the organisations born from last year’s mass protest movement. The condition of the detainees has come under scrutiny after two activists who were briefly released had to be rushed to hospital on Tuesday. As of Friday, only Andriamanantena remains behind bars, while police claim the activists fell ill naturally. This repressive action has instantly shattered public hopes that had surged when Colonel Michael Randrianirina seized power through a coup in October 2025. At that time, the military was fully supported by the Madagascar Gen Z movement to oust President Andry Rajoelina, who was deemed a failure. However, presidential spokesperson Harry Laurent Rahajason distanced the palace from responsibility for the activists’ arrests. He emphasised that the legal process is entirely in the hands of the police. “In Madagascar, there is what is called separation of powers. So the presidency has nothing to do with cases handled by the national police,” Rahajason stated. Ketakandriana Rafitoson, a member of the Transparency International Madagascar board, described the current regime’s actions as highly disappointing. According to her, the military government has failed its first test in respecting freedom of expression. “This is a pattern we saw under the previous administration and many hoped it would be broken with this transition. So last Friday’s protest was a test for this regime and they failed,” Rafitoson said. Disappointment among Madagascar’s youth is deepening because the economic situation in the country of 32 million people shows no signs of improvement. Based on 2024 World Bank data, Madagascar is the world’s fifth poorest country with a GDP per capita of only US$545 or US Dollars (Rp 8.8 million). Leader of the Madagasikara Gen Z group, Elliot Randriamandrato, stated that the water and electricity crises that sparked last year’s demonstrations are still ongoing. He sees no seriousness from the government to implement real reforms. “For now, there are no real reforms implemented by the government. That is perhaps why everyone is so frustrated, because we do not see anything clear and real,” said Randriamandrato. Furthermore, Randriamandrato also criticised the political system, which he believes can only be won by rich people. He urged the government to immediately hold a constitutional consultation to change the corrupt election methodology. “We are asking for more clarity on the date of the constitutional consultation, because it is during that consultation that real issues will be discussed. This is a system that only allows people with more money to win,” Randriamandrato added. Amid public pressure, the government is instead diverting focus to national security issues by claiming there is a threat to burn down the parliament building. Rahajason explained that they are investigating corruption worth 3.811 billion Malagasy Ariary (Rp 12.8 trillion) linked to threats against the president’s life. Rahajason also presented evidence of video footage claimed to be foreign drone activity at the president’s residence. “Authorities are investigating corruption estimated at 3.811 billion Malagasy Ariary (Rp 12.8 trillion) and linking that investigation to threats against the president,” Rahajason revealed. Public concerns are mounting over the military regime’s closeness to Russia, especially after Randrianirina visited Vladimir Putin in Moscow last February. Madagascar is now being flooded with major weapon system equipment aid in the form of military trucks, helicopters, and tanks from the Kremlin. Shely Andriamihaja, a member of Madagasikara Gen Z, expressed her fear that Madagascar will only shift from one foreign influence to another. “We are very concerned about the risk of a new takeover of the country by foreign countries,” Andriamihaja stressed. This accusation is reinforced by the fact that Russian military personnel are now serving as personal bodyguards for President Randrianirina. When confronted about this, Rahajason defended the president’s policy by comparing it to other world leaders. “Why are you asking this question? Why does the Ukrainian president call on guards of other nationalities? Why is that normal? And why, when a Malagasy uses international guards, is that not normal?” Rahajason concluded.