Madagascar: In Madagascar, Gen-Z Overthrew a Corrupt Regime but the Battle Against State Capture Has Barely Begun

Madagascar: In Madagascar, Gen-Z Overthrew a Corrupt Regime but the Battle Against State Capture Has Barely Begun

Analysis - Youth-led demonstrations that shook Madagascar in late 2025 began as protests over water and electricity shortages. They quickly evolved into bigger demands for political change, forcing president Andry Rajoelina into exile. The Gen-Z protesters (most born between 1997 and 2012) spoke of dignity, corruption and a broken social contract.

In Madagascar, Gen-Z overthrew a corrupt regime but the battle against state capture has barely begun

Youth-led demonstrations that shook Madagascar in late 2025 began as protests over water and electricity shortages. They quickly evolved into bigger demands for political change, forcing president Andry Rajoelina into exile. The Gen-Z protesters (most born between 1997 and 2012) spoke of dignity, corruption and a broken social contract. A military-led transitional government took advantage of the turmoil to take power. In a new book chapter and …

Gen-Z protests force Madagascar to confront state capture risks

A youth-led uprising overthrew Madagascar’s government in late 2025, yet the shadow of state capture still haunts the nation. Driven by water and power shortages, Gen-Z protesters forced former President Andry Rajoelina into exile, demanding an end to systemic corruption. Military officers swiftly seized the moment, establishing a transitional government headed by Colonel Michael Randrianirina to fill the political vacuum. Academic researchers K…