Madagascar’s presidency has declared that an “attempt to seize power illegally and by force” is underway, following a day in which members of an elite military unit joined a youth-led protest against the government. The statement issued by President Andry Rajoelina’s office on Sunday condemned the situation as a threat to national stability and urged all national forces to defend constitutional order and sovereignty.
The statement did not identify the individuals or groups involved in what it described as an attempted coup. However, members of the CAPSAT military unit, which played a role in installing Rajoelina in power, claimed to have taken control of the armed forces after three weeks of protests led by Gen Z Madagascar. In a video message released on Saturday, officers from CAPSAT’s administrative and technical contingent stated that all orders for the Malagasy army—land, air, and naval—would now originate from CAPSAT headquarters.
It remains unclear whether other military units will follow this directive. The unrest has escalated into one of the most significant political crises during Rajoelina’s leadership, with growing public discontent over economic challenges, corruption, and governance issues.
The Gen Z Madagascar movement, which began as a response to water and electricity shortages, has evolved into a broader call for systemic change. Over the past three weeks, protests have grown in scale, demanding the end of Rajoelina’s rule, the dissolution of the Senate, and an end to perceived privileges for business interests aligned with the president. Protesters also seek an apology for the violence that has resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to the United Nations.
Rajoelina, who first gained prominence in 2009 through protests that led to a military-backed overthrow of then-President Marc Ravalomanana, was later elected president in 2018 and re-elected in 2023 amid a boycott by opposition parties. His current administration faces mounting pressure as the Gen Z-led movement gains momentum.
The protesters, known as Gen Z Madagascar, have adopted a pirate-themed logo inspired by the Japanese anime series *One Piece*. This symbol, featuring a skull and crossbones with a traditional Madagascan hat, has become central to global Gen Z protests. The group uses digital platforms to organize and mobilize, with a website, social media presence, and a GoFundMe page aimed at raising funds for their cause.
Their message emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and deep reforms, stating that they will no longer be ignored. In response to Rajoelina’s offer for dialogue, the protesters rejected engagement with a regime they accuse of suppressing justice and using force to maintain power.
Similar youth-led movements in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Kenya have already prompted significant political changes. In Nepal, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following mass protests, while in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country after student-led uprisings.
Across the globe, Gen Z activists are driving new waves of protests, often organized through online platforms like TikTok and Discord. These movements address issues such as corruption, economic hardship, climate inaction, and social inequality, calling for systemic transformation.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, appointed by Rajoelina after dissolving the previous government, called for dialogue with all factions, including youth groups and unions. However, the move failed to quell public anger. Meanwhile, General Jocelyn Rakotoson, chief of staff of the army, urged citizens to support security forces in restoring order through dialogue.
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