Alert+

Protests in Madagascar Escalate Amid Power Cuts

Protests Erupt in Antananarivo Over Water and Electricity Cuts

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 10:30 BST 26 SEPTEMBER 2025

On 24 September, demonstrations broke out in Antananarivo over persistent water and electricity cuts, with outages often lasting more than 12 hours. Several groups of approximately 100 protesters gathered in multiple locations early in the day and attempted to reach the meeting point in the Ambohijatovo district. According to news reports and social media footage, the protests drew mostly young demonstrators, and no senior political figures were reported among the crowds. Protesters flew Malagasy flags alongside flags of the Straw Hat Jolly Roger from the Anime One Piece, a protest symbol increasingly used by youth-led protest movements globally, including recently in Nepal.

Demonstrations quickly escalated, with reports of fires and roadblocks in areas such as Analamahitsy, with protesters setting fire to several gondola transport stations and the Air Mauritius office. Looters targeted several shops, banks, and appliance stores, while the homes of three politicians allied with President Andry Rajoelina were also attacked. Unrest was also reported at the offices of the national water and electricity company.

Security forces deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters. Several journalists have reportedly been injured, and unconfirmed reports by the capital’s main hospital suggest that at least five people have been killed, all with gunshot wounds.

The protests have led to severe disruptions. Several schools in Antananarivo have closed for the remainder of the week. Approximately 100 students from a French high school were stranded on the evening of 25 September, forbidden from leaving due to security concerns. Access to Antananarivo International Airport (TNR / FMMI) was partially disrupted. While operations have not stopped, a flight from Paris to Antananarivo was diverted to Réunion Island.

A day before the protests, the local government banned demonstrations, citing concerns over civil unrest. A large gathering of security forces had been present in Antananarivo from 0530 local time, cordoning off certain areas. In response to the unrest, authorities imposed a nighttime curfew in Antananarivo, effective from 1900 25 September to 0500 26 September. According to unverified social media reports, the government is set to cut access to the internet from 1400, although this is unconfirmed and has been disputed.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Grassroots Gen Z-Led Movement Reflects Widening Discontent in Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries. According to a 2022 report from the World Bank, 75.2 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line. Poverty rates have remained high over the past decade, with rural poverty decreasing marginally while urban poverty has almost doubled. Many households suffer from overlapping deprivations in health, education, sanitation, and infrastructure.

The poor economic situation is exacerbated by Madagascar’s high vulnerability to environmental risks, including cyclones and droughts. Damage from four tropical storms in 2022 was estimated to have cost as much as 5 per cent of Madagascar’s GDP.

The protests have been in line with other Gen Z-led protest movements in Africa. The movement gained momentum on social media, which was used to mobilise protests, coordinate meeting points, and share live updates.

Smaller demonstrations were also observed in provincial towns like Toamasina, Antsirabe, Toliara, and Antsiranana, likely reflecting wider discontent with the incumbent government.

The lack of political figures among the protesters highlights the grassroots nature of the movement. The use of Straw Hat Jolly Roger, which was widely used in the recent Nepalese protests which deposed the government, suggests a broader Gen Z-focused sentiment and the potential desire of a far more radical intent to likewise overthrow the government.

There is a realistic possibility that the government’s strict measures to curtail the protests will succeed. While protesters defied the protest ban on 25 September, the demonstrators were largely made up of relatively small groups. The authorities will likely impose internet and social media restrictions to stop protesters from being able to mobilise. This will also likely limit the circulation of footage of excessive force, which has the capacity to further fuel anti-government sentiment.

The government’s reaction to demonstrations, particularly security forces’ use of force, is highly likely to be perceived as excessive. If footage spreads across social media of security forces using live ammunition against protesters, this could significantly inflame demonstrations, despite a lack of leadership. The rhetoric of protest organisers indicates broader anti-government sentiment, which could escalate unrest motivated by more radical objectives.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Madagascar

Avoid all major government buildings, universities, and police facilities in Antananarivo. Reassess travel to Madagascar.
Allocate additional time for all road travel in Antananarivo and other major cities in Madagascar.
Plan for potential internet and communications disruptions; ensure you have emergency contacts saved on your phone and plan any potential travel routes. Emergency contacts should include the local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged in case of any loss of electricity.
Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
Avoid all areas of unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in the unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
Always follow all instructions and orders from security forces. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in a secure accommodation.
Prolonged civil unrest can disrupt travel, especially if protesters begin targeting airports. Travellers should have contingency measures in place, including evacuation plans and reliable access to food, water and medication.
If caught in the vicinity of a security incident, seek shelter immediately and leave the area if safe to do so. Continue to adhere to all instructions issued by authorities and obey any security cordons in place.
If available, monitor your intelligence provider’s alerting platform and trusted local media for updates relevant to the unrest.

Request Evacuation Assistance

If you need secure, coordinated support to move personnel out of a high-risk location, our team is ready to help – quickly, calmly, and with care.