The arrest of several Madagascar Gen Z protesters has intensified fears among the youth that the current military regime is mirroring the government it overthrew last year.
- Four Gen Z activists were arrested on April 12; only the group’s leader, Herizo Andriamanantena, remains in detention.
- The regime, led by Col Michael Randrianirina, has received military trucks, tanks, and helicopters from Russia.
- Protesters are demanding constitutional and electoral reforms to address systemic corruption and economic stagnation.
Activists Detained Following Protests
Four Gen Z activists—Herizo Andriamanantena, Miora Rakotomalala, Dina Randrianarisoa, and Nomena Ratsihorimanana—were arrested on April 12. The detentions occurred two days after the group participated in a protest calling for a set election date.
The detainees face accusations of criminal conspiracy and undermining state security. Lawyer Aliarivelo Maromanana stated that the activists have denied the charges and that no evidence exists to support them.
While two activists were released and admitted to a hospital on Tuesday, Herizo remains in custody. National police stated the individuals in the hospital had taken ill and were not harmed during detention.
Further arrests occurred Wednesday night, with the group Gen Z 261 reporting that two additional activists were detained. No further information regarding their status has been released.
Regime Response and Security Claims
Col Michael Randrianirina seized power in a coup in October 2025 following weeks of youth-led demonstrations. His spokesperson, Harry Laurent Rahajason, stated the presidency is not involved in police cases due to the separation of powers.
Rahajason also alleged that the president has faced security threats, citing a video of drones flying over the president’s home on April 11 and an alleged plot to set the national parliament on fire.
Additionally, the government is investigating corruption estimated at 3,811bn ariary (£679m), which the spokesperson linked to threats against the president.
Russian Influence and Growing Disenchantment
The military regime has strengthened ties with Russia, receiving donations of helicopters, tanks, and military trucks following Randrianirina’s visit to Moscow in February.
Rahajason confirmed the presence of Russian personnel within the presidential guard. This development, along with the appointment of officials viewed as part of the old, corrupt elite, has led to widespread disenchantment among the youth.
Ketakandriana Rafitoson of Transparency International Madagascar noted that the arrests reflect a pattern seen under the previous administration, suggesting the regime failed a critical test regarding fundamental freedoms.
Economic Crisis and Calls for Reform
Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest nations, with a GDP per capita of $545 in 2024, according to the World Bank. The country continues to struggle with corruption, climate-driven droughts, and cyclones.
Protests in September were triggered by the arrest of two councillors in Antananarivo who were protesting water and electricity outages. Elliot Randriamandrato, a leader of Gen Z Madagasikara, stated that these essential services have not improved since the regime change.
Randriamandrato is calling for clarity on the methodology and date of constitutional consultations. He specifically advocated for electoral reform to end a system that he claims only allows those with significant wealth to win.
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