Madagascar President Rajoelina Offers Dialogue Amid Escalating Protests, Ignores Resignation Demands
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has said he is ready to listen and find ways to fix the country’s deep problems, but he has brushed off calls from a growing youth-led protest movement for him to step down. The protests, which kicked off last week, have turned into the biggest wave of unrest the island nation has seen in years, driven by anger over high poverty, corruption, and basic service failures like water shortages and power cuts. Rajoelina, speaking in a video on his Facebook page on Friday, 3 October 2025, called for talks instead of street action, saying, “No one benefits from the destruction of the nation. I am here, I stand here ready to listen, ready to extend a helping hand, and above all, ready to bring solutions to Madagascar.” He also claimed, without proof, that some politicians were using the protests to plot a coup while he was at the United Nations in New York last week. Despite his words, demonstrators hit the streets again in the capital on Friday after a short break, facing tear gas from police as shown in footage from local media.
The unrest draws from similar “Gen Z” movements in places like Kenya and Bangladesh, where young people have pushed back against tough living conditions. In Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest countries, the protests started over everyday struggles but have grown into wider calls for change. The United Nations says at least 22 people have died and over 100 have been hurt since the clashes began, though the government disputes these numbers. Rajoelina, who first took power in a 2009 coup after leading protests himself, now faces demands for his resignation from crowds who see his rule as part of the problem.
Roots of the Unrest and Youth-Led Push
The protests erupted on 25 September 2025 in Antananarivo, the capital, sparked by ongoing water shortages and frequent blackouts that have made daily life a struggle for many. What started as complaints about services quickly grew into broader anger over poverty and graft. Young people, calling themselves “Gen Z Madagascar,” have led the charge, using social media to rally crowds and demand better governance. The movement is leaderless, much like recent uprisings elsewhere, and has spread to cities like Toliara and Diego Suarez.
Protesters point to Rajoelina’s failure to fix deep-rooted issues since he returned to power in 2019. They have called for a general strike and given him a 24-hour deadline to respond, threatening more action if ignored. Amnesty International has slammed the use of deadly force by security teams and urged probes into the violence. On Friday, marchers in Antananarivo dodged tear gas, showing the protests are far from over despite a brief pause.
Rajoelina’s Response and Claims of a Coup Plot
Rajoelina tried to calm things by disbanding his government on Monday, 29 September 2025, but it has not stopped the crowds. In his Friday speech, he urged dialogue over destruction, saying criticism should come through talks, not streets. “Criticism of existing problems does not necessarily have to be expressed in the streets; it should be done through dialogue,” he added, drawing from his own history of protest-led power grabs.
He also accused rivals of stirring trouble and plotting a coup while he was away in New York. Without naming names or showing evidence, he claimed foreign governments might be involved, calling the protests a bid to topple him. On his X account, he mentioned meeting groups over the past three days to discuss fixes. But protesters say these steps fall short, demanding his full exit.
Madagascar’s Deep Economic and Social Woes
Madagascar, an Indian Ocean island rich in minerals, wildlife, and farmland, ranks among the poorest nations, with income per person dropping 45% since independence in 1960. The World Bank blames this on elite control of resources, lack of openness, and no real competition. Over half the 30 million people live in extreme poverty, facing food shortages from climate hits like droughts and storms.
Rajoelina highlighted high borrowing with unclear use, forex shortages hurting businesses, and fuel lines that grind life to a halt. He appealed for global investment to turn things around, but critics say past graft under his watch has scared off help. The country relies on aid, but cuts from places like the US have worsened the crunch.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za