Frequently asked questions
Understand it in 10 questions
Short, sourced answers to the most common questions about the Gen Z uprising in Madagascar.
01What does "Tsiahy ny tolona" mean?
In Malagasy, "tsiahy" means remembrance or commemoration, and "tolona" means struggle. "Tsiahy ny tolona" means "remembrance of the struggle": the name given to the commemorations of the 2025 uprising.
02When did the Gen Z uprising start?
On 25 September 2025 in Antananarivo, after weeks of water and power cuts. It spread to Antsiranana, Toliara, Mahajanga and other cities.
03Why were young people protesting?
First against power cuts and water shortages, then against corruption, poverty and impunity. They ended up demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.
04How many people died?
At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (29 September 2025).
05Who led the movement?
No one. The "Gen Z Madagascar" movement was deliberately leaderless, organised on Facebook and Discord. That is what made it so hard to repress.
06Why a pirate flag?
It is the straw-hat Jolly Roger from the manga One Piece, a symbol of freedom adopted by Gen Z protesters in several countries. In Madagascar the hat was replaced by a satroka, the traditional Betsileo hat.
07How did Andry Rajoelina lose power?
On 11 October 2025, the CAPSAT military unit refused to fire on protesters. Rajoelina left the country, and the National Assembly voted to impeach him on 14 October 2025.
08Who has led Madagascar since then?
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of CAPSAT, was sworn in on 17 October 2025 as president of the "Refoundation". A referendum is announced for June 2027 and a presidential election for October 2027.
09Why is 25 September a public holiday?
Since 2026, 25 September has been a national day of remembrance and a paid public holiday, in tribute to the victims of the uprising.
10Is the struggle over?
No. Water and electricity are still daily problems, Gen Z activists were arrested in 2026, and the victims' families are still waiting for justice.