‘We are the last hope’: Gen Z Madagascar vows to fight on until president resigns
GuardianSEP 29
Madagascar President Appoints New Prime Minister
Above: Andry Rajoelina at the Barea Stadium in Antananarivo on June 26, 2021. Image copyright: Rijasolo/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
Madagascar's youth-led protest is a legitimate uprising against systemic corruption and government failure. These brave demonstrators, inspired by successful Gen Z movements worldwide, are demanding basic human rights like electricity and water while fighting against a regime that has kept 75% of the population in poverty. The government's violent crackdown, killing 22 people, exposes its authoritarian nature.
Pro-government narrative
President Rajoelina is facing a foreign-backed coup attempt disguised as youth protests. External forces are exploiting legitimate grievances to destabilize Madagascar's democracy through violence and chaos. The president responsibly dissolved his government and offered dialogue, but extremist agitators rejected peaceful solutions in favor of unconstitutional regime change that would destroy the nation's future.