On October 11, 2025, Madagascar experienced a pivotal moment in its recent history. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, head of the CAPSAT military unit, called on law enforcement to stop repressing protesters. His message spread rapidly on social media, urging military, gendarmerie, and police to refuse orders to harm fellow citizens. This appeal contributed to a significant shift in the balance of power.
The events leading up to this moment began on September 25, 2025, with protests against water and electricity shortages that had been crippling daily life for Malgaches. The movement, driven by young people mobilized on social media, soon expanded to denounce corruption and the rule of President Andry Rajoelina. The rallying of CAPSAT proved decisive, as it had been during the 2009 crisis that brought Rajoelina to power.
On October 12, 2025, President Rajoelina left the country on a French military plane. The National Assembly voted for his impeachment on October 14, and the military announced it would take power. Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as "President of the Refoundation of the Republic" by the High Constitutional Court on October 17. The protests had resulted in at least 22 deaths, according to La Libre.
A year later, the initial enthusiasm has given way to a mixed assessment. According to Rocks, an early participant in the mobilization, Gen Z activists have fractured since October 11, 2025. He describes a "war of leadership" that brought back "political dinosaurs." He regrets not seeking institutional roles to influence the transition.
On September 25, 2026, authorities commemorated the 2025 revolt, while young protesters called for the fight to continue. An analyst interviewed by RFI described the events as "a real revolution, but an incomplete institutional refoundation." The divisions within Gen Z have become apparent, with some members questioning the movement's achievements.
The aftermath of the power shift has also seen significant developments. The African Union suspended Madagascar from its bodies. The country's trajectory has been marked by efforts to stabilize and rebuild institutions. However, concerns about the pace and direction of change persist among various groups.
As Madagascar reflects on the past year, the legacy of the October 11, 2025 events remains complex. While some celebrate the ousting of President Rajoelina, others express frustration with the current state of affairs. The country's path forward will likely be shaped by the ongoing debates and power dynamics within Gen Z and the broader population.
Key points
- Gen Z activists in Madagascar are divided over the outcome of the October 11, 2025 power shift that ousted President Andry Rajoelina.
- The movement that led to Rajoelina's ousting was driven by young people mobilized on social media, who protested against corruption, water and electricity shortages, and the president's rule.
- The African Union suspended Madagascar from its bodies following the power shift.
