Malagasy President Denounces Use of Youth Protests as Facade for Coup Attempt

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October 3, 2025

Madagascar president Alleges Foreign Interference in Ongoing Protests

Johannesburg – President Andri Lazo Elina of Madagascar has directly accused unnamed external entities of orchestrating the ongoing wave of youth protests sweeping across the island nation. The President made the assertions in a televised address, suggesting a calculated effort to undermine his government.

Claims of External Funding and Political Manipulation

In his statement delivered via Facebook, President Elina claimed that certain “forces” are actively working to dismantle the country’s stability. He specifically alleged that unnamed countries and institutions are providing financial support to protesters, aiming to sieze power through means outside of established electoral processes, mirroring tactics seen in other African nations. He did not publicly identify these alleged backers.

The ‘Z Generation’ at the Forefront

The demonstrations, spearheaded by Madagascar’s ‘Z generation’ – those born between the late 1990s and early 2000s – have been persistent in cities including the capital, Antananaribo. These protests stem from widespread discontent with the current administration, though specific grievances remain fluid. The movement gained momentum following the dismissal of the Minister of energy last month, prompting a full cabinet reshuffle by President Elina in an attempt to address the escalating tensions.

Government Response and Reported Violence

Despite the cabinet changes, the ‘Z generation’ movement continues to mobilize demonstrators in Antananaribo city center. According to reports from Agence france-Presse (AFP), these protests represent the most meaningful challenge to President Elina’s government since his election victory in 2023. The united Nations reported in late september that at least 22 individuals were injured,and over 100 were affected,during a heavy-handed crackdown on the protests,though the Madagascar government disputes these figures,labeling them as unsubstantiated rumors.

madagascar’s Socio-Political Context

Madagascar, renowned for its unique biodiversity and as the world’s leading vanilla producer, has experienced recurring periods of political instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. The nation continues to grapple with significant economic challenges, with approximately 75% of the population living below the poverty line as of 2022, according to World Bank data. World Bank – Madagascar

Did You No? Madagascar is home to five percent of the world’s plant and animal species, manny of which are found nowhere else on earth.

Pro Tip: When traveling to Madagascar, it is crucial to be aware of the political climate and exercise caution during protests or demonstrations.

Key Fact	Details
President	Andri Lazo Elina
Protest Leaders	‘Z Generation’ (born late 1990s – early 2000s)
Poverty Rate (2022)	Approximately 75% of the population
Major Export	Vanilla

What role do you beleive foreign actors play in internal political unrest? And how can Madagascar address the underlying economic disparities fueling these protests?

understanding Madagascar’s political Landscape

Madagascar’s history is marked by a series of coups and political crises, contributing to a cycle of instability and hindering economic development. The nation’s vulnerability to external influence stems from its strategic location in the Indian Ocean and its dependence on foreign aid. Addressing these systemic issues requires strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Madagascar Protests

• What is the main cause of the protests in Madagascar? The protests are driven by widespread discontent among the ‘Z generation’ regarding economic hardship and political governance.
• Who is President Andri Lazo Elina? He is the current President of Madagascar, elected in 2023, and is now facing significant challenges to his authority.
• What is the ‘Z generation’s’ role in the protests? The ‘Z generation’ is leading the protests, demanding political and economic reforms.
• Has the government responded to the protests? President Elina dismissed the Minister of Energy and reshuffled his cabinet, but the protests continue.
• Is Madagascar politically stable? Madagascar has a history of political instability, and these protests represent a major challenge to the current government.
• What is Madagascar known for? Madagascar is famous for its unique biodiversity, especially its vanilla production.
• What is the current poverty rate in Madagascar? Approximately 75% of the population lives below the poverty line as of 2022.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below! let us know what you think about the President’s claims and the future of Madagascar.

How might Madagascar’s history of political instability influence the credibility of President Rajoelina’s claims of a coup attempt?

Allegations of a Planned Overthrow

On October 3rd, 2025, Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina publicly accused certain political factions of exploiting recent youth-led demonstrations as a smokescreen for a larger, orchestrated coup attempt. The President’s statements, broadcast nationally, allege that the protests – initially sparked by rising living costs and perceived government inaction – are being manipulated by individuals seeking to destabilize the nation and seize power. He specifically pointed to financial backing from unnamed foreign entities, fueling concerns about external interference in Malagasy politics. This follows a pattern of political instability in Madagascar, a nation wiht a history of coups and contested elections.

Details of the President’s Accusations

Rajoelina detailed several key points during his address:

* Financial Support: Allegations of critically important financial contributions to protest organizers, traced to sources outside of Madagascar. Investigations are reportedly underway to identify these backers and their motives.

* Organized Leadership: Claims that the protests aren’t spontaneous but are guided by a core group of individuals with ties to opposition parties and disgruntled military officials.

* Disinformation Campaign: Accusations of a coordinated disinformation campaign spreading false narratives about the government and exacerbating public discontent. This includes the use of social media and messaging apps to amplify negative sentiment.

* Attempts to Recruit Security Forces: Reports of attempts to sway elements within the Malagasy armed forces to join the alleged coup plot.

These accusations have prompted a swift response from the government, with increased security measures implemented in the capital, Antananarivo, and other major cities.

The Protests: Initial Grievances and Escalation

The initial protests began as localized demonstrations against the increasing cost of basic goods, especially food and fuel. Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest countries, has been grappling with economic hardship exacerbated by the global economic downturn and the impacts of climate change.

Key grievances fueling the protests include:

* High Cost of Living: Soaring prices for essential commodities, making it tough for manny Malagasy citizens to afford basic necessities.

* Unemployment: high rates of unemployment, particularly among young people, leading to frustration and disillusionment.

* Perceived Corruption: Widespread allegations of corruption within the government, eroding public trust.

* Lack of Access to Basic Services: Limited access to healthcare, education, and clean water in many parts of the country.

While initially peaceful, the protests have seen instances of clashes with security forces, resulting in injuries and arrests.The escalation of violence has raised concerns about the potential for further instability.

Opposition Response and Denials

Opposition leaders have vehemently denied the President’s accusations,dismissing them as a desperate attempt to discredit legitimate dissent. Thay maintain that the protests are a genuine expression of public frustration and that the government is responsible for creating the conditions that led to the unrest.

Key arguments from the opposition include:

* Right to Peaceful Protest: Asserting the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully protest against government policies.

* Government Mismanagement: Blaming the government’s economic policies and lack of clarity for the country’s economic woes.

* Political repression: Accusing the government of using heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices.

* Lack of Evidence: Challenging the President to provide concrete evidence to support his claims of a coup attempt.

Several opposition figures have called for an self-reliant inquiry into the allegations made by the President.

Regional and International Reactions

The situation in Madagascar has drawn attention from regional and international actors. the African Union (AU) has issued a statement calling for calm and dialogue, urging all parties to respect the rule of law and refrain from violence.

Neighboring countries, including Mozambique and Comoros, have expressed concern about the potential for instability and offered to mediate between the government and the opposition. International organizations, such as the United Nations, are monitoring the situation closely and have offered humanitarian assistance to those affected by the unrest.

Past Context: Coups and Political Instability in Madagascar

Madagascar has a turbulent political history marked by frequent coups and periods of instability.

* 1972 Coup: Overthrow of President Philibert Tsiranana.

* 1996 Political Crisis: A contested election led to months of protests and a political stalemate.

* 2009 Coup: Ousting of then-president Marc Ravalomanana by Andry Rajoelina, leading to international condemnation and sanctions.

* 2018 Presidential Election: A highly contested election that saw Andry Rajoelina return to power.

This history of political upheaval underscores the fragility of Madagascar’s democratic institutions and the challenges facing the country in its quest for stability. The current situation raises fears of a repeat of past crises.

The Role of Social Media and Information Warfare

Social media platforms have played a significant role in amplifying the protests and disseminating information – and misinformation – about the situation. The government has accused opposition groups of using social media to spread false narratives and incite violence.

Key aspects of the information landscape