On the hills overlooking Antananarivo, among the red brick houses built into the slopes, the white building of Jirama, the national water and electricity distribution company, stands over the Democracy Square, where Gen Z protesters have gathered every day since the beginning of their movement on Thursday, September 25.

A familiar landmark in the Malagasy capital, the blue neon sign spelling out the company's name no longer lights up after dark. The company's silent management has understood that turning it on would be seen as a provocation. Jirama's inability to deliver essential services sparked the anger of the Malagasy youth, galvanized by the victories of young protesters in Nepal against a regime focused on the interests of a privileged few.

The situation is no different in Madagascar, and although President Andry Rajoelina has held on to dreams of progress since his return to power in 2018, the annual per capita income fell from $459 to $448 in 2023, according to World Bank figures, while urban poverty has soared over the past decade (up 31%). The result is a growing, increasingly disillusioned young population.

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