Madagascar's Gen Z 'betrayed' after ushering in new rule
A year after protests forced Madagascar's president from power, Gen Z activists say they feel betrayed by the new government, accusing it of resorting to the same tactics they once opposed.
Young protesters celebrated when soldiers from the Capsat military unit joined demonstrations in October last year, marking a turning point in weeks of unrest. President Andry Rajoelina later fled the country, with Capsat commander Colonel Michael Randrianirina sworn in as interim leader on October 17.
The unrest, which began over chronic water and electricity shortages, left at least 22 people dead. Protest leader Herizo Andriamanantena recalled feeling “joy and relief” following the change in power but said only “little changes here and there” followed.
Frustrated by the slow pace of promised reforms, activists organised another march in April. This time, they faced a crackdown from the new authorities.
Andriamanantena and five other activists were jailed and accused of endangering state security and having links to people allegedly planning another coup.
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