Madagascar marks first anniversary of political demonstrations
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Members of the Malagasy government and citizens commemorated the first anniversary of demonstrations that took place on September 25, 2025, in Anosy, Madagascar.
The event centered around a newly erected stele honoring those involved in and victims of the September and October 2025 protests. Colonel Randrianirina, the country’s leader, attended the ceremony immediately after returning from the United Nations General Assembly in New York and laid a wreath at the memorial.
During the commemoration, poetry, spoken word performances, and songs with politically engaged lyrics were presented. Four High Counselors of the Refondation, government members, and political and military figures who emerged during the protests sat on the stage alongside representatives from youth, student, and other associations. Randrianirina stated the ceremony should remind leaders that they reached power through the struggles and sacrifices of those who protested.
However, observers expressed mixed reactions to the event, noting it appeared to be reserved for those claiming ownership of the September and October movements. Some believe the focus on division rather than unity, and the downplaying of core values from the protests, could harm the long-term significance of the date. Madagascar has a history of politically charged dates fading from national memory due to partisan interpretations and a lack of broad national acceptance of their meaning.
Randrianirina emphasized that participation in the original protests does not excuse current leaders from upholding good governance and fighting corruption.
