Gen Z: A Global Youth Rebellion

AFP/APP

Johannesburg: From Nepal to Peru, Morocco to Madagascar, Gen Z protesters took to the streets in 2025, toppling two governments and challenging authorities across the world. With the symbol of a skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat, inspired by the Japanese manga series One Piece, young people made their mark on global politics.

Traditionally referring to those born between the late 1990s and late 2000s, “Gen Z” this year has become synonymous with youth-led uprisings fueled by frustration over unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

Across Latin America, Asia, and Africa—where 60 percent of the population is under 25, according to UN figures—young people mobilised in unprecedented numbers.

AFP journalists observed the pirate-like emblem at protests in more than a dozen countries. In Madagascar and Nepal, the movements led to the fall of governments. “I grew up with One Piece, like most of Gen Z, so it became a symbol for us,” said Kai, a 26-year-old protester in Madagascar. “It now represents resistance against oppressive governments.”

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/after-uprising-nepals-gen-z-rush-to-register-to-vote/

While there have been other youth-led protests, such as Spain’s Indignados in 2011 or the Arab Spring of 2010, the Gen Z movement stands out for its use of social media platforms like Discord, Instagram, and TikTok.

These tools enabled real-time mobilisation of digitally connected youth and helped bridge local grievances into a wider global message. University of Montreal sociologist Cecile Van de Velde noted that the movement “aspires to become the new face of a global and generational revolt.”

Local Sparks, Global Reach

The uprising in Madagascar followed Nepal’s protests in September 2025. “Nepal paved the way. We saw what happened, the flag raised, the links made with One Piece,” said Elliot Randriamandrato, a spokesman for the Madagascar movement. “And we said to ourselves: enough is enough.”

While the causes were local, the frustrations were shared. In Indonesia, protesters rallied against low wages, unemployment, and police violence; in Nepal, corruption and social media restrictions sparked unrest.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/how-gen-z-is-reshaping-spending-habits-in-us/

Madagascar’s youth protested persistent water and electricity cuts; Moroccan demonstrators demanded equality in education and health; and in Kenya, protests focused on new taxes.

Van de Velde explained, “At the core, young people are standing up for the essential needs of their communities—health, security, political representation. These demands reflect a common stand against government plundering and economic and political oligarchies.”

Mixed Outcomes

As the uprisings subsided toward year-end, results varied. In Madagascar, the army seized power after the president fled, installing a government dominated by political insiders, frustrating Gen Z activists.

In Nepal, an interim prime minister was appointed after a vote on Discord, and a commission was formed to investigate the deaths of dozens of young protesters.

In Morocco, demonstrators won partial concessions on social reforms, including healthcare and education improvements, but over 2,400 people—including more than 1,400 in detention—faced prosecution.

Despite the organisational skill of activist cores, the movements’ loose, leaderless structures limited their ability to establish lasting political projects. Many also faced violent police crackdowns.

“We are entering the second phase of the movement,” said Nepalese protester Yujan Rajbhandari. “Leading up to the elections in March 2026, we aim to tackle corruption and raise awareness about voter registration. We won’t stop.”