Madagascar’s Youth-Led Revolution: Gen-Z Uprising Topples President Rajoelina

In a dramatic turn of events following a Gen-Z–driven uprising, Madagascar’s president Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country, as an elite military unit known as CAPSAT declared it had seized power and overthrown the government.

A Youth Wave Sweeps Madagascar

Madagascar has now joined the ranks of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, becoming the latest nation to witness a youth-led revolt challenging entrenched political power. The movement was spearheaded by thousands of young protesters demanding accountability, transparency, and relief from worsening economic hardship.

The Rise of CAPSAT and the Fall of Rajoelina

The coup was orchestrated by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the Presidential Security Regiment (CAPSAT) — a powerful military elite force. In a televised address, Randrianirina announced the suspension of all constitutional bodies, including the Constitutional Court, Senate, and Election Commission, while temporarily retaining the lower house of parliament.

“There is no president, no government — nothing is functioning,” the colonel declared.

Despite the dramatic takeover, CAPSAT pledged to hold elections within 18 to 24 months and to restore civilian governance after what they called a “national transition.”

President on the Run

The whereabouts of the ousted leader remain unclear. Reports suggest that Rajoelina escaped aboard a French military aircraft, following what he described as a threat to his life. On Monday night, he announced via Facebook that he was “in a secure location” but has not commented on the coup itself.

The Impeachment Trigger

The coup unfolded shortly after parliament impeached Rajoelina with a 130-vote majority, accusing him of corruption and abuse of power. Notably, members of his own IRMAR party supported the motion. Before the vote, Rajoelina had attempted to dissolve parliament and claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that the process was “null and void.”

From Protests to Revolution

The political storm was fueled by weeks of nationwide demonstrations, largely led by young activists. Initially sparked by chronic water and power cuts, the protests quickly expanded to include anger over rising living costs, corruption, and unemployment. Calls for Rajoelina’s resignation grew louder with each passing week.

The turning point came last Saturday, when CAPSAT troops joined the demonstrators, signaling the collapse of Rajoelina’s authority.

A Twist of Fate

In a striking irony, the same CAPSAT unit that helped bring Rajoelina to power in 2009 by overthrowing then-president Marc Ravalomanana has now turned against him.

Fifteen years later, history appears to have come full circle — with the people, and the youth of Madagascar, reclaiming the power they once helped deliver.