Reacting to an intensifying campaign of repression against Gen Z activists and civil society members by Madagascar’s military authorities, which took power following a coup in October 2025, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:
“Malagasy authorities are using deliberately vague charges of criminal conspiracy, threats to national security and destabilization of the state to silence Gen Z activists and civil society members. No one should face arbitrary arrest, detention or enforced disappearance simply for voicing their concerns about the running of their country.
Malagasy authorities are using deliberately vague charges of criminal conspiracy, threats to national security and destabilization of the state to silence Gen Z activists and civil society members.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa
“These authoritarian practices constitute clear violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. They are aimed at entrenching a climate of fear, while evading accountability over government policies, appointments, and the management of public resources.
They must also respect, protect and facilitate the right of assembly during protests planned for 18 April.
Tigere Chagutah
“The authorities in Madagascar must immediately end arbitrary arrests, disclose the fate and whereabouts of all those forcibly disappeared, and unconditionally release all individuals detained solely for exercising their rights. They must also respect, protect and facilitate the right of assembly during protests planned for 18 April.”
Background
Madagascar’s military authorities seized power in October 2025 following youth-led protests in 2025 demanding improved service delivery, particularly access to water and electricity, as well as more effective and inclusive governance.
The new authorities promised reforms but instead, they have deepened repression, under the pretext of a zero-tolerance anti-corruption campaign and used broadly framed charges of criminal conspiracy, threats to national security and destabilization to target and silence Gen Z activists, civil society members and those linked to the previous regime.
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