(fyiteam)
Gen Z protests are uprisings that have mainly been taking place since September 2025 and are organized by members of Gen Z, meaning those born between 1997 and 2012.
Where and when?
INDONESIA | 17 Feb – today (sporadically)
KENYA | 9 Jun – 7 Jul
PHILIPPINES | 4 Sep – today
NEPAL* | 8–13 Sep
PERU | 13 Sep – today
MADAGASCAR | 25 Sep – 14 Oct
MOROCCO | 27 Sep – today
*The uprisings in Nepal were the first to be labeled “Gen Z protests,” leading to the categorization of many that followed — and many that had preceded them (retroactively).
(fyiteam)
The triggers vary: from the death of a blogger in police custody (Kenya), and pension system changes (Peru), to corruption in public works (Philippines) and massive spending on World Cup stadiums (Morocco).
The causes stem from deeper problems such as inequality, economic insecurity, corruption, distrust toward government, and a broader sense that traditional political systems do not represent them.
A key common feature of the countries experiencing these uprisings is their young population (ages 20–30).
(fyiteam)
Youth-led uprisings in the early years of social media (e.g. the Arab Spring 2010–2012) used these platforms as tools.
However, the current Gen Z uprisings rely on them more than ever, using mainstream social media (e.g. Instagram, TikTok) for information, mobilization, and organization.
Other platforms are also being used, such as Discord, the gaming chat platform, through which the proposal for a temporary government in Nepal was circulated.
In each country, state repression has led to dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries.
In Indonesia, 8 people were killed between 25–30 August, with police using excessive force (e.g. tear gas, rubber bullets).
In Kenya, 65 people were killed in one month (09.06–07.07), with authorities cutting internet access in an attempt to suppress demonstrations.
(fyiteam)
The movements in different countries influence one another, as shown by shared symbols.
A black flag featuring a smiling skull wearing a straw hat, first seen in Indonesia, has appeared in other countries as well.
It comes from the popular Japanese manga and anime series One Piece, which follows a crew of pirates led by Monkey D. Luffy who clash with corrupt governments.
Trigger: Ban of 26 different social media platforms
Causes: Corruption and authoritarianism of the government of K. P. Sharma Oli
Goal: Lifting the ban and overthrowing the government
Protest actions: Mass marches, arson of government buildings, clashes with security forces
Casualties: 74 dead, 1,300+ injured
Outcome: Prime minister resigns, interim PM appointed, Parliament dissolved, elections scheduled for 2026
Trigger: Prolonged electricity and water outages
Causes: Corruption, unemployment, cost of living
Goal: Resignation of President A. Rajoelina
Actions: Mass marches, looting of politicians’ homes, clashes with security forces
Casualties: 22 dead, 100+ injured
Outcome: President flees the country, military backs the uprising, coup
Trigger: Massive spending on sports infrastructure for the 2030 World Cup
Causes: Underfunding of healthcare/education, corruption, high youth unemployment
Goal: Government accountability, redistribution of state spending
Actions: Mass marches organized by anonymous groups “GenZ212,” bank looting, clashes with security forces
Casualties: 3 dead
Outcome (so far): 16% increase in healthcare/education spending in the 2026 budget
(fyiteam)
Young people have both the real demographic power and the online tools to organize and take to the streets.
However, the absence of strong political organization and experience behind the Gen Z uprisings may hinder the achievement of the goals they have set.
This could lead to the movements being co-opted by other forces seeking to seize power, as happened with the coup in Madagascar.
