One year after the outbreak of the protests on September 25, 2025, a commemoration ceremony will be held this Friday. Amidst tributes to the victims, claims of ownership of the movement, and an assessment of the ‘Refondation’ (Refoundation), the event will also take place against a backdrop of controversy.
Commitment and unity for the homeland. This is the theme of tomorrow’s commemoration of the first anniversary of the popular uprising of September 25, 2025. An event that marked a new political turning point in the country’s history, as it served as the starting point for protests that spread to major cities across the nation, ultimately leading to the fall of former President Andry Rajoelina.
A year later, September 25 is now firmly established in the country’s political and memorial calendar. A commemorative stele has been erected in Anosy, at the roundabout leading to the Ambohidahy tunnel, and will be officially unveiled during tomorrow’s ceremony. The day has been declared a paid public holiday nationwide. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, Head of State, accompanied by the four High Councilors of the Refoundation of the Republic, will lead the event.
The protests were originally triggered by concrete issues, namely electricity and water cuts. Organized via encrypted messaging apps and social media, ‘Gen Z’ successfully mobilized the crowd to denounce the water and energy crisis. The protests quickly expanded to include demands regarding governance, corruption, transparency, public freedoms, and the accountability of leaders.
One year later, the commemoration is not without controversy, particularly regarding the ‘paternity’ of the movement. While some politicians attempt to claim legitimacy through the events of 2025, Gen Z and student associations, who were at the forefront, also claim historical ownership. A rift has emerged: a hardline faction of Gen Z feels the movement’s goals were hijacked and has distanced itself from the official ceremony, while another faction has joined the ranks of the current power.
Beyond the controversies, the main question remains the assessment of the situation. A year later, the problems in the water and electricity sectors remain unresolved. Structural reforms regarding governance, transparency, and the fight against impunity are slow to materialize. The Council of Christian Churches of Madagascar (FFKM) is currently leading the national consultation process to define the institutional and political orientations for a return to constitutional order by the end of 2027.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-24 05:53:45 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/commemoration-premier-anniversaire-du.html