A wave of discontent is sweeping through Madagascar’s Gen Z population following the appointment of a new Prime Minister by the country’s coup-installed leader, a move protesters say betrays the public’s demand for fundamental change.
The crisis began last week when Colonel Michael Randrian seized power in a military coup, ousting former president Andry Rajoelina. Colonel Randrian was sworn in as president on Friday and, on Monday, named businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the nation’s head of government.
The appointment was immediately met with anger and disappointment from the youth-led protest movement that has been a dominant force in the nation’s recent political turmoil. In a formal statement, leaders of Madagascar’s Gen Z movement expressed strong disapproval of the choice, stating it was made without any dialogue with the people.
They argued that selecting Rajaonarivelo, whom they described as a “well-known figure in the Malagasi economic and financial ecosystem,” directly contradicts the aspirations of the Malagasy people.
“This nomination runs contrary to the spirit of change and renewal demanded by the people over weeks of demonstrations in the streets,” the Gen Z leaders stated.
The current protest movement initially erupted in September over widespread water and power shortages. It quickly evolved into a broader pro-democracy movement that ultimately pressured former president Rajoelina from power.
Now, with a new military leader in charge and a prime minister from the established business elite appointed, the young activists feel their calls for a new political direction have been ignored. The Gen Z leaders are demanding transparency, asking to know “how and why Rajaonarivelo was selected.”
Vowing to maintain pressure on the new administration, the movement has pledged to continue mobilizing, signaling that the political instability that has gripped the Indian Ocean nation is far from over.