As demonstrations over prolonged power and water shortages intensify across Madagascar, Jack Dorsey's decentralized messaging application, Bitchat, has witnessed a sharp increase in usage. The unrest began on September 25, 2025, with peaceful protests in Antananarivo over power cuts exceeding 12 hours daily. However, the situation quickly escalated, leading to looting incidents and property damage targeting government politicians, with five fatalities reported.
The app's appeal lies in its ability to facilitate communication in the backdrop of restricted internet access. Bitchat, employing Bluetooth-based mesh networking, has notably attracted users in the capital city, Antananarivo. While official statistics detail that a significant portion of Madagascar’s population lacks stable internet access, Bitchat caters to the need for an offline communication tool. User interest has surged, as evidenced by data showing over 71,000 downloads in one week, with 21,000 in just the last 24 hours alone.
Bitchat's Role in the Protests
Authorities imposed a nightly curfew to contain the violence, which included attacks on infrastructure and businesses. Despite these efforts, organizers of the "Leo Délestage" movement, meaning "Fed up with load shedding," have committed to peaceful assemblies, urging continued dialogue.
Bitchat’s development reflects a growing demand for secure, accessible communication during political upheavals. The app does not require internet connections, instead forming peer-to-peer networks extending up to 300 meters through Bluetooth contacts. This technology facilitates message exchange even amid blackouts and restricted digital access.
- Following protests earlier in the month in Nepal and Indonesia, Bitchat's user base expanded significantly, being adopted rapidly where traditional communication channels were disrupted.
- Jack Dorsey, the developer behind Bitchat, designed the app to prioritize security, with features like end-to-end encryption and session-based anonymity.
Despite its utility, Bitchat alone cannot address the underlying socio-economic issues plaguing Madagascar, such as widespread poverty and infrastructure deficits. The World Bank highlights that approximately three-quarters of Madagascar’s population lives below the poverty line, emphasizing the dire need for systemic reforms.
As unrest continues, Madagascar's reliance on alternative digital communication methods like Bitchat underscores the broader challenges of digital inclusivity and infrastructure resilience. Whether Bitchat serves as a temporary solution or a catalyst for broader change remains to be observed.
