Madagascar’s Youth Protesters Celebrate Possible Victory as President Flees

Post by : Saif Nasser

Thousands of young people in Madagascar are celebrating after days of protests forced President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country in a French military plane. The protests, led mostly by students and working youth, began over water and electricity shortages but quickly turned into a nationwide demand for the president’s resignation.

Although Rajoelina has not officially stepped down or spoken in public, many protesters believe they are close to victory. The protests have shown the power of Madagascar’s younger generation, but questions remain about what comes next.

Youth Voices Demand Change

On the streets of Antananarivo, the capital city, thousands of young people have gathered daily, chanting “Rajoelina, get out!” at May 13 Square — a historic location that once hosted protests against a former leader in 1972.

Angie Rakoto, a 21-year-old law and politics student, said she wants the president to resign immediately. “He has to quit. Immediately,” she said. When asked who should replace him, she replied, “Honestly, I’ve no idea who should replace him. But it has to be someone who is here for the Malagasy people, not himself.”

Her words capture the spirit of many young protesters — full of frustration and hope for change, but unsure about the next step.

A Movement Without a Plan

Madagascar’s protest movement shares similarities with youth uprisings in countries like Morocco, Peru, and Nepal, where young people have taken to the streets against inequality, high living costs, and corruption.

The demonstrations started in September as an outcry over power cuts and water shortages. But they grew stronger after the army unit that helped Rajoelina seize power in 2009 switched sides and began supporting the protesters.

More than 15,000 people joined the rally this Monday, carrying flags, banners, and even a pirate skull symbol from the Japanese cartoon One Piece — an image often seen in global Gen Z protests. Many said they were tired of being ruled by older leaders who had failed to improve their lives.

Military Role Raises Concerns

According to the constitution, if the president resigns, Jean André Ndremanjary, the interim president of the Senate, should lead the government until new elections. But with the protest movement lacking an organized leader and the army taking a stronger role, experts say a military takeover is now likely.

Despite past military governments leading Madagascar into economic trouble, some young people say they are not afraid of military rule.

“A military man, if he cares about the country, that’s fine,” said Fanizy Razafimandimby, a 30-year-old mechanic. “That’s for the transition. Our hope is for someone who can repair things.”

Like many others, he admitted he had no specific person in mind for leadership but wanted stability and progress.

Poverty and Frustration Fuel the Protests

Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is one of the world’s poorest countries. About 75% of its people live on less than $2.15 a day, according to the World Bank. The average yearly income is around $600, and the median age is just 19.

The country ranks among the lowest on the United Nations Human Development Index, meaning that most people lack access to good education, healthcare, and jobs.

Many protesters wore torn clothes and carried empty water bottles to show how hard life has become. Small children without shoes ran among the crowd, asking for food or money.

The anger has also been directed at France, Madagascar’s former colonial ruler. Many young protesters accused France of continuing to influence local politics. They also pointed to President Rajoelina’s dual French citizenship and close ties to Paris as proof that he did not truly represent the Malagasy people.

Citizens Speak About Daily Struggles

For Mamisoa Ravonsinirina, a 30-year-old call center worker, the crisis is personal. His job involves answering calls from citizens angry about power and water shortages. “You have to calm them down. I tell them things will get better,” he said. “But I know the reality.”

Even with a master’s degree, Ravonsinirina earns only 700,000 ariary (about $150) per month, not enough to cover rising food prices. His home also faces regular blackouts and water cuts.

“We ask for jobs, we ask for electricity, we ask for rice we can afford, and what do we get? Only speeches,” said Andre Hassana, a 26-year-old tour guide. “Not this time. Malagasy people are good learners. We won’t tolerate this again.”

A Nation Rich in Resources, But Not in Wealth

Madagascar produces many valuable goods — vanilla, nickel, sapphires, ilmenite, seafood, and textiles — yet it remains poor. The country grows two-thirds of the world’s vanilla supply, but most of the profit goes to exporters and foreign companies.

Protesters say this unfair system has continued under Rajoelina, who promised to bring prosperity but failed to deliver.

Decades of poor governance and corruption have prevented Madagascar from benefiting from its natural resources. The protesters say that while the country’s leaders live in luxury, ordinary people face hunger and constant blackouts.

Uncertain Future

As the president hides and the army tightens its control, Madagascar faces an uncertain future. The youth have shown their power to demand change, but without a clear political plan or leader, the country could face instability.

Still, on the streets of Antananarivo, hope remains strong. “This is the beginning,” said one student holding a Malagasy flag. “We have nothing to lose. We just want a life with light, water, and dignity.”