After Gen Z protests that led to ouster of civilian rule and installation of military junta, the youth are back to the usual drudgery
Madagascans largely celebrated the overthrow of the old regime, as they did when Rajoelina first came to power as a transitional leader in a 2009 military coup. But the young protesters, whose anger and sacrifices over Madagascar’s high unemployment, poverty and utility outages made the conditions ripe for a coup.
How youth-led uprisings are becoming central in protection of democratic resilience in Africa
Protests which began with frustrations with service delivery expanded to systemic demands for accountability and ultimately regime change. Where narrow political economic settlements exclude the electorate they are meant to serve, democratic risks and vulnerabilities are illuminated. When elite political cultures prioritise rent-seeking and exclude the broader populace, the outcome is heightened disgruntlement buttressed
Exiled Madagascan President Rajoelina reveals he fled the country in fear for his life after military mutiny
Madagascar’s former prime minister under Rajoelina and one of the president’s closest advisers have also fled the country and arrived in the nearby island of Mauritius in the predawn hours Sunday, the Mauritian government said. Mauritius said it was “not satisfied” that the private plane had landed on its territory.
‘Gen Z Madagascar’ revolution: President on run after youth inspired bloodless military coup
The protests snowballed into larger dissatisfaction with the government and the leadership of Rajoelina. The demonstrators have brought up a range of issues, including poverty and the cost of living, access to tertiary education, and alleged corruption and embezzlement of public funds by government officials as well as their families and associates.
Military joins ‘Gen Z Madagascar’ attempt to take over power from President Rajoelina, a former radio DJ
The Gen Z protesters who inspired the uprising have their own website, Facebook page and other social media channels and a GoFundMe page to raise money. They have mobilized over the internet and say they were inspired by other protests that toppled governments in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Pressure piles on President Rajoelina to quit as Madagascar’s Gen Z protesters clash with police
Madagascar, a large island of around 31 million people off the east coast of Africa with a history of political crises, has seen several leaders forced out in uprisings since it gained independence from France in 1960.
