Madagascar’s Tumultuous Leader Ousted by the Same Youth Who Raised Him

Madagascar’s political drama offers a stark lesson in leadership and accountability, revealing how quickly public favor can shift when governments fail to deliver on basic needs. Andry Rajoelina’s trajectory—from a youthful insurgent to a president toppled by the very youth movement that propelled him—reflects the timeless struggle between power and responsibility. When Youth Discontent Becomes a Political Weapon — And Then a Threat In 2009, Rajoelina captured public imagination as a man of the people. A former radio DJ turned mayor of the capital, he galvanized young Malagasy citizens against corruption and economic inequality under then-President Marc Ravalomanana. His party,...