Fri Oct 03 22:54:16 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Madagascar is facing widespread protests led by the “Gen Z” movement demanding President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation due to his perceived failure to deliver basic services. At least 22 people have died in the protests, which began on September 25. Rajoelina accuses rivals of plotting a coup and dismisses the demands, leading the protesters to issue a 24-hour ultimatum, threatening further action if their demands aren’t met. The president sacked his government and invited dialogue. The government claims a foreign-led cyberattack and digital manipulation campaign is fueling the unrest. Rajoelina, who came to power in a 2009 coup, was re-elected in 2023 despite the nation’s persistent poverty.

**News Article:**

**Madagascar President Faces Ultimatum as Protests Intensify**

**ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar** – President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar is under increasing pressure as nationwide protests, spearheaded by the “Gen Z” movement, reach a critical juncture. Protesters have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the president, demanding a “favorable response” to their demands for his resignation, citing his alleged failure to provide essential services like water and electricity. They threaten to take “all necessary measures” if their demands are not met.

The demonstrations, which began on September 25, have already resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, according to the United Nations. Police have used tear gas to disperse protesters in the capital, Antananarivo, as the movement gains momentum.

President Rajoelina has dismissed the calls for his resignation, accusing political rivals of orchestrating a coup attempt and exploiting the unrest for their own gain. He claimed, without providing evidence, that some politicians considered a coup while he was at the UN General Assembly last week.

“What I want to tell you is that some people want to destroy our country,” Rajoelina stated in a broadcast address.

The “Gen Z” movement has rejected Rajoelina’s response, branding it “senseless.” Protests have also spread to other cities, including Mahajanga, Toliara, and Fianarantsoa.

The recent unrest has forced Rajoelina to sack his government and initiate a dialogue with various groups in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

Meanwhile, the Madagascan government alleges that a foreign entity is conducting a “massive cyberattack” and a “targeted digital manipulation campaign” to fuel the protests. Foreign Minister Rasata Rafaravavitafika claimed that “opportunistic groups” had “infiltrated” the protests to “exploit the vulnerability of some of Madagascar’s young people.”

Madagascar, despite its rich natural resources, remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with 75% of its 32 million population living below the poverty line.

Rajoelina, who initially rose to power in a 2009 coup, was re-elected in the 2023 election, setting the stage for the current turmoil. The next 24 hours will be critical in determining the future of Madagascar’s political stability.

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