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Thousands assembled for renewed anti-government protests on Monday in various cities throughout Madagascar, including the capital, where security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Protests that took place over the previous weekend turned violent, with clashes between police and primarily youth demonstrators mobilised through social media by a movement named “Gen Z,” expressing frustration over ongoing water and electricity shortages in the country.
In Antananarivo, the capital, increasing crowds marched along the streets, many wearing black and chanting demands for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina, who initially took power after a popular uprising in 2009.
He lost power in 2013 but returned to office after being elected in 2018 and won reelection in disputed polls in 2023.
A statement issued by the movement on Sunday called for the resignation of both the government and the prefect of Antananarivo.
The movement has adopted a pirate flag from the Japanese anime series “One Piece” as its rallying symbol, which has also been used recently by youth-led anti-government protests in Indonesia and Nepal.
The protests on Thursday in the capital were followed by significant looting throughout the night, which saw no police intervention.
In their statement from Sunday, the Gen Z movement claimed that “groups of anonymous individuals were paid to loot numerous establishments in order to tarnish the movement and the ongoing struggle.”
Named after Generation Z, the movement refers to those born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s. Demonstrations were also widespread in Antsiranana, located at the northern end of Madagascar.
These protests marked the most significant gatherings since 2023, when demonstrations took place before the presidential elections, which opposition parties had chosen to boycott.
Rajoelina was reelected amidst polls that saw less than half of registered voters participate.
In a video address late Friday, the president announced he had dismissed his energy minister “for failing to fulfill his duties.” He also denounced the violence as “acts of destabilisation.”
On Sunday, he assured residents of a working-class neighbourhood in Antananarivo that he would “resolve everything, to be even closer” to the people.
