'Gen Z gave us victory' How young people toppled Madagascar's leader

As the sun set on Place du 13 Mai in Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, thousands of people danced, waved and cheered to pulsating rap and reggae beats and rousing speeches.

- Rachel Savage and Teddy Rahenintsoa

When young people started protesting on 25 September, first against water and power cuts, then demanding a complete overhaul of the political system, military police stopped them from reaching the square in front of the city hall.

The site has been a symbol of democracy and the focal point for anti-government protests on the Indian Ocean island since 40 student demonstrators were killed there by security forces in 1972.

Then, last Saturday, the elite military unit Capsat came out in support of the protesters, and accompanied them to the square. Within 24 hours, President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country for Dubai on a French military plane, and yesterday, the commander of Capsat, Col Michael Randrianirina, was sworn in as transitional president for what he said would be 18 to 24 months.

Young protesters, who had rallied as Gen Z Madagascar, were jubilant at the ousting of Rajoelina. Many were grateful to Capsat, which is responsible for military personnel and logistics. Some were worried about the transition to military rule rather than a new civilian regime. All said they would keep fighting for a better Madagascar.

Antonio, a shaggy-haired 17-year-old wearing a black face mask, bounded off stage after making a speech to the rapturous crowd in Place du 13 Mai on Wednesday night. “I just wanted to say to them that the protests are not finished and we must be vigilant,” he said.

Antonio, who did not want to share his full name, had warm words for Capsat. “I thanked them for helping us to come here, to this sacred place, the 13 Mai,” he said. “Without them we wouldn’t have made it here.”

But he reserved his most enthusiastic praise for his fellow activists: “I just want to thank gen Z, the people who truly protested ... because it was them who gave us the victory.”