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A wave of disillusionment is sweeping through Madagascar’s youth as recent arrests of activists have ignited fears that the military regime installed following last year’s coup may not deliver the promised change. Celebrations over the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina have given way to apprehensions about the resurgence of the old political elite in a new guise, undermining the hopes of a generation that rallied for reform.
Arrests Spark Outrage
On 12 April, four prominent members of the Gen Z Madagascar movement were detained during a protest demanding a clear election timetable. The activists—Herizo Andriamanantena, Miora Rakotomalala, Dina Randrianarisoa, and Nomena Ratsihorimanana—face serious charges, including undermining state security and criminal conspiracy. Their lawyer, Aliarivelo Maromanana, vehemently denied the allegations, asserting, “They’ve all denied it and there’s no evidence whatsoever.”
The military regime, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina since his coup in October 2025, has attempted to distance itself from the arrests. Spokesperson Harry Laurent Rahajason claimed that the judiciary operates independently from the presidency, asserting that “there is what we call the separation of powers” in Madagascar.
Discontent Brews Among the Youth
The mood among Madagascar’s youth was initially one of triumph following Rajoelina’s departure. However, the optimism has faded considerably as the new regime has appointed officials closely tied to the previous administration. Many young activists are expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of substantial economic reforms and the government’s increasing alignment with Russia.
The recent arrests have raised alarms regarding civil liberties. Ketakandriana Rafitoson, a board member of Transparency International Madagascar, highlighted the troubling continuity of repression, saying, “It is a pattern we saw under the previous administration… last Friday’s protests were a test for this regime and they failed it.”
Frustration Over Governance and Promises
Despite the military government’s assurances of an election within two years of its takeover, young leaders like Elliot Randriamandrato from Gen Z Madagasikara are demanding more than just a date. They are calling for a constitutional reform process that genuinely addresses electoral integrity. “It’s currently a system that only permits people with more money to win,” Randriamandrato noted, highlighting the ongoing issues of corruption and inequity.
The dissatisfaction has been exacerbated by a lack of improvement in essential services like water and electricity, which have remained unreliable since the regime change. Randriamandrato remarked, “There’s no real reforms that have been implemented by the government. That’s maybe why everyone is so frustrated.”
The Shadow of Foreign Influence
The regime’s connections to Russia have raised eyebrows among activists. Following a visit by Rand