Madagascar in November 2025: A Nation at a Crossroads

November 2025 was a pivotal month for Madagascar as the island nation grappled with the aftermath of its military takeover, a deepening humanitarian crisis, and concerns about the new leadership’s direction. Here are the top stories shaping the nation.

Military Leader Takes Control—With Mixed Reactions

After youth-led Gen Z protests in September and early October demanding water and electricity access, Madagascar experienced a dramatic power shift. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite Capsat military unit, announced that the military had removed President Andry Rajoelina from power following the defection of military units from the government.

In his first national address in November, Randrianirina rejected claims that the change of government was a coup, insisting no violence occurred, and vowed to pursue those who plundered the country through investigations that he described as the work of justice, not vengeance. He laid out a roadmap including a nationwide consultation led by the influential FFKM to build a new governance system, followed by a referendum and presidential election within two years.

However, the celebration was short-lived. Protesters were initially enthusiastic, but decisions such as the appointment of businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo—who had ties to the Rajoelina government—as prime minister, made without consulting the movement that filled the streets, signaled that the post-coup order may not reflect the demands of the citizens who ignited it.

A New Cabinet Takes Shape

In late October, Madagascar presented a new 29-member Cabinet including 10 women, with three prominent opponents of the former regime appointed to key ministerial posts, and interim President Randrianirina stated that the government’s priorities included fighting impunity, enforcing budgetary austerity, and creating a stable business climate.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

While political turmoil dominated headlines, a catastrophic humanitarian emergency was unfolding in the south. The UN warned that Madagascar was facing a worsening humanitarian emergency as drought, cyclones, and disease outbreaks devastated communities in the south, with the combination of drought, recent cyclone season, a malaria outbreak and strained health systems leaving many communities with little ability to recover. The number of people facing emergency food insecurity in Grand Sud was expected to quadruple to 110,000 by January 2026, while nearly 160,000 children were suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

Tourism Sector Attempts Rebound

Despite the turbulence, the tourism industry took steps toward recovery. The National Tourism Office of Madagascar launched the campaign “Redorons Ensemble l’Image de Madagascar” at Antananarivo International Airport, aiming to strengthen the island’s visibility and rebuild travelers’ confidence after the period of crisis, with a digital platform called Mada Best Deals inaugurated to centralize promotional offers from tourism operators.

Growing International Concern

The U.S. government issued a new travel advisory for Madagascar, alerting travelers to increasing safety risks across the island, with political unrest, frequent protests, and sporadic violent incidents making some regions unpredictable, while crime—including armed robberies and assaults—had risen in remote areas, along major roads, and in the southern and western parts of the country.

Conservation Crisis in the Shadows

Away from political headlines, Madagascar’s iconic lemurs faced mounting pressure. Research published in Conservation Letters revealed that lemurs—already the most threatened mammals on the planet—were being sold as an urban delicacy in Madagascar’s cities, with an estimated 13,000 lemurs sold annually in surveyed cities through hidden hunter-to-client channels.

Looking Ahead

November 2025 painted a complex picture of Madagascar: a nation seeking to rebuild its governance and international reputation while battling humanitarian crises and the persistent challenges of development and conservation. The success or failure of the interim government’s two-year transition plan will determine whether the sacrifices made during the Gen Z protests lead to meaningful change or repeated cycles of instability.