ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Arrests of Gen Z activists in Madagascar have heightened fears of a return to authoritarian rule, with critics warning that the military regime that seized power in 2025 may be replicating the repression it replaced.
Four youth activists — Herizo Andriamanantena, Miora Rakotomalala, Dina Randrianarisoa and Nomena Ratsihorimanana — were arrested on 12 April after taking part in protests demanding a clear election timetable, according to their lawyer Aliarivelo Maromanana.
They are facing charges including undermining state security and criminal conspiracy, allegations their legal team has dismissed as baseless.
“They’ve all denied it and there’s no evidence whatsoever,” Maromanana said, adding that two of the activists were later released and hospitalised.
Only the group’s leader, Herizo Andriamanantena, remained in detention as of Friday. Two additional activists were reportedly arrested later in the week, according to Gen Z 261, a group linked to the broader youth movement.
The crackdown comes months after a military takeover led by Col Michael Randrianirina, who assumed power in October 2025 following mass Gen Z-led protests that forced former president Andry Rajoelina to flee.
A spokesperson for the presidency, Harry Laurent Rahajason, distanced the administration from the arrests, citing separation of powers and saying the matter was under police investigation.
The developments have sparked concern among rights groups and civil society actors, who warn of shrinking civic space.
“This raises serious concerns around the respect for fundamental freedoms,” said Ketakandriana Rafitoson of Transparency International Madagascar, noting similarities with past administrations accused of repression.
Madagascar, an island nation of about 32 million people, has experienced repeated cycles of political instability, coups, and governance crises despite its rich natural resources and biodiversity.
The Gen Z movement, which emerged from earlier protests over water and electricity shortages, had initially welcomed the military takeover. However, frustration has grown over what activists describe as slow reforms, continued service delivery failures, and perceived continuity of entrenched political elites.
“For the moment, there’s no real reforms that have been implemented by the government,” said Elliot Randriamandrato of Gen Z Madagasikara, one of the youth groups driving the protests.
He added that demands now go beyond election timelines to deeper constitutional reforms, arguing that the current system favours wealthy political actors and limits fair competition.
The regime has defended its actions, citing ongoing investigations into alleged corruption worth an estimated 3,811bn ariary (about £679m), which officials say are linked to national security threats.
Authorities have also raised concerns about alleged plots targeting state institutions, including claims of attempted surveillance and arson plans, though these allegations remain unverified.
The political transition has also drawn international attention following reports of closer military cooperation with Russia, including the delivery of military equipment after Randrianirina’s visit to Moscow earlier this year.
As arrests continue and protests persist, civil society groups warn that the handling of dissent will be a key test of whether the new regime breaks from Madagascar’s long history of political repression or repeats it.
