Arrests of Gen Z Protestors in Madagascar Highlight Global Rise of Authoritarianism

Rabat – Madagascar’s recent arrest of protesters has renewed Gen Z’s concern that the military regime will be equally repressive as the former government, from which it seized power after massive protests last year.

The protests were initially fueled by frustration over corruption, rising living costs, and a lack of political accountability, drawing large numbers of young people into the streets.

After weeks of protests under the banner “Gen Z Madagascar,” Madagascar’s military ruler  Michael Randrianirina took power in October 2025 and promised to hold elections by 2027. 

While young people were initially hopeful of the regime change, perceptions of ongoing corruption, a lack of economic reforms, and the new regime’s closeness to Russia ignited skepticism.

Gen Z has been pushing for an official date while also criticizing the interim president’s appointment of individuals with perceived connections to the previous regime.

One of the lawyers for Gen Z activists — Herizo Andriamanantena, Miora Rakotomalala, Dina Randrianarisoa and Nomena Ratsihorimanana — said the four were arrested on 12 April, two days after taking part in a protest calling for an election date to be set. 

The activists face charges related to unauthorized assembly and incitement, raising concerns among rights groups about the criminalization of peaceful protest.

Gen Z 261 said two more activists were arrested on Wednesday night.

The arrests raise “serious concerns around the respect for fundamental freedoms,” said Ketakandriana Rafitoson, a Transparency International Madagascar board member.

The lack of substantial change even where a government is overthrown underscores a global struggle.

Gen Z protests around the world

Nepal’s successful overthrow of its government in September 2025 over frustrations with corruption, political impunity, and a state-imposed social media ban inspired an insurgence of youth-led protests pushing for change around the world.

Many of these movements are driven by digitally connected youth frustrated with corruption, economic stagnation, and censorship.

However, it seems the revolution will not be televised as internal coverage of protests has simmered down in tandem with continued crackdowns.

In June, the arrest of a rapper denouncing corruption in Togo led to massive youth protests. At least 100 people were arrested and 10 killed during the government’s efforts to quell dissent. International reaction was minimal, with global attention pulled to other crises.      

Kenya experienced a drastic decline in coverage after authorities shut down internet connectivity and arrested hundreds of protestors seeking a reformed tax policy in June 2024. Protests surged again in 2025 after a political blogger died in custody.

Protests spread across Morocco in September over the state of healthcare, education, and unemployment.

Togo and Kenya youth protests were also met with firm state suppression through mass arrests and few systemic changes. 

Global rise of authoritarianism

The suppression of youth movements seeking change reflects the increasing reports of authoritarian regimes and fascist movements around the world.

As governments throw themselves into global conflict, and as many countries are experiencing civil war, it becomes increasingly difficult for citizens to fight for their rights and basic standards of living.

In its “Freedom on the Net 2025” report, Freedom House found that 28 of 72 countries assessed saw declined internet freedoms. 

The authors note that global internet freedom has declined for multiple consecutive years, with governments increasingly targeting online dissent.

After Georgia, the United States and Germany experienced the most significant decline. In some cases, Germany pursued criminal prosecutions against people who criticized the government. 

The US also monitored digital activism, notably detaining foreign nationals for nonviolent online expression as part of the country’s broader attacks on immigrants.

The report also highlighted a rise in arrests linked to online expression and the growing use of surveillance tools to monitor activists.

These developments point to a widening gap between youth-led demands for reform and the tightening grip of state control worldwide.

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