Madagascar has been in the news primarily due to a significant political crisis that escalated into a coup and a military-led government in October 2025. Here’s a concise overview of the key developments and context. Direct answer
- The island nation experienced widespread protests beginning around September 2025 over power and water outages, corruption allegations, and deteriorating living conditions. These protests intensified in Antananarivo and spread to other cities, drawing in youth movements and civil society groups.
- In mid-October 2025, the military seized control, with elite units signaling a takeover and the government being dissolved or restructured. This marked Madagascar’s first major coup in years and shifted the political landscape dramatically.
- Following the coup, the military established a new government and began appointing a cabinet largely composed of civilians, including figures who had opposed the former president. This indicated an attempt to present a transitional administration while seeking international legitimacy.
- The situation drew international attention and ongoing coverage about legitimacy, potential elections within a stated timeframe, and the future direction of governance in Madagascar. Various outlets reported on the evolving power dynamics, leadership changes, and the response of security forces.
Context and what led to the latest events
- Persistent outages and governance concerns around Jirama, Madagascar’s state power utility, helped fuel public anger and protests that began in late September 2025. The arrest of opposition-aligned local politicians during peaceful protests further intensified discontent.
- Youth-led groups, notably Gen Z Mada, played a central role in mobilizing demonstrations and framing demands for accountability and reforms. The protests broadened beyond the capital to multiple regions.
What to watch next
- The military-led government’s ability to stabilize the country, restore essential services, and organize credible elections within its stated timeframe will be crucial factors in regional and international reactions. Reports have noted ongoing casualties and unrest, so monitoring official statements and independent verifications remains important.
If you’d like, I can pull the latest verified updates from reliable outlets and summarize the current status, including any new government appointments, international reactions, and progress toward elections.
