Madagascar’s new military leadership was sworn in yesterday, completing a coup orchestrated earlier this week.
What happened: An elite military unit stepped into a power vacuum left by the impeachment of ex-president Andry Rajoelina (who fled the country). The new government, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has suspended all but one constitutional body, but promises elections will be held within 18 to 24 months.
- Outside observers are skeptical, as Randrianirina was arrested in 2023 for plotting a coup. The African Union economic bloc has suspended Madagascar’s membership.
Catch-up: The chain reaction was sparked by a series of mass protests by younger Madagascar residents. What began in late September as demonstrations against water and power cuts bloomed into a broader crusade against government corruption and systemic inequality.
- Even after an initial government crackdown left 22 people dead, the movement continued to grow, with Randrianirina’s unit backing the protestors last weekend.
Big picture: It’s all part of a global wave of “Gen Z protests,” in which youth in developing countries have rallied against government corruption. The movement toppled the Nepalese government and led to disruptive demonstrations in places like Indonesia, Morocco, the Philippines, and Peru.
- Protestors have formed solidarity across borders, connecting with each other on Discord and sharing a unifying symbol: a flag that references the manga One Piece.
Why it matters: While some have hailed these demonstrations as enervating examples of democracy in action, the Madagascar situation shows how movements can be co-opted by forces that might not have democratic participation in mind.—QH