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Gen Z protests 2025: Across continents and cultures, a new generation of rebellion is emerging, inspired not by political veterans but by Generation Z's digital natives. From Nepal's Himalayan valleys to Madagascar's islands, and from Morocco to the Philippines, young individuals equipped with smartphones and social media are turning cyber outrage into street uprisings.

Digital Activism Meets the Street

Over the past few months, Global South anti-government demonstrations have broken out, fueled mainly by Gen Z citizens protesting corruption, inequality, and collapsing public services.

In Madagascar, President Andry Rajoelina was compelled to disband his government following huge youth-led protests over recurrent water and electricity shortages. Something that started out as internet angst escalated into the country's largest street protests in years. Over 20 people have died and over a hundred have been injured, the United Nations reports.

At the same time, in Morocco, a protest group that identifies itself as GenZ 212 rallied thousands on TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, calling for equitable access to education and healthcare. Protests rapidly turned violent, with a minimum of three killed as resentment swept across city after city from Rabat to Casablanca.

Nepal's Gen Z Sparks a Regional Movement

The spark, according to many, was ignited in Nepal. A few weeks ago in early September, the nation experienced weeks of turmoil as Nepali youths rose up against corruption and politicians' kids' extravagant lives, the so-called "nepo kids." Viral videos of luxury vehicles and designer bags in contrast to the backdrop of poverty sparked outrage. In a matter of days, the protests compelled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to step down.

Activists employed encrypted messaging apps, VPNs, and online platforms to circumvent social media shutdowns. Hashtags #NepoBabiesNepal and #EndCorruptionNow overwhelmed feeds, turning indignation into action.

Common Thread of Inequality

From Kenya to Indonesia, and now Madagascar, these protests share striking similarities like decentralised leadership, digital coordination, and rage against inequality.

In Madagascar, young citizens questioned why millions were spent on luxury projects like the Antananarivo cable car while large parts of the country lacked clean water. In Morocco, protesters pointed to billions spent on football stadium renovations ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 World Cup, while hospitals and schools struggled to function.

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Cultural symbolism is a major factor in bringing these young protesters together. One flag, inspired by Japanese anime One Piece a skull wearing a straw hat has become an emblem of resistance throughout Asia. It re-emerged in Madagascar with a homegrown touch: the skull now sports Malagasy-style headgear, symbolizing defiance with pride of place.

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As the internet generation converts memes into manifestos and clicks to collective action, one thing is evident Gen Z's uprising is no longer limited to screens. It's happening in the streets, redefining democracies from Kathmandu to Antananarivo.