Madagascar’s Unrest Spurs Interest in Offline Messaging Apps
In the vibrant capital of Madagascar, escalating protests over persistent water and electricity shortages have erupted into violence. This turmoil has simultaneously sparked a significant rise in the use of offline messaging tools, reflecting citizens’ quest for reliable communication methods amidst the chaos. This article delves into the unfolding events and the technological responses they have provoked.
Protests Shake Antananarivo
Recent reports indicate a surge of public unrest in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, as residents took to the streets following days of rolling blackouts and resource scarcities. To curb the escalating violence and prevent further looting and conflicts, authorities have imposed a strict curfew from dusk until dawn.
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The situation has grown dire, with law enforcement resorting to tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Tragically, the unrest has already claimed at least five lives. The mounting pressure on the government has led to the dismissal of the Energy Minister, illustrating the severity of the crisis.
Rising Popularity of Offline Messaging: Bitchat
Amidst this backdrop of social turmoil, the offline messaging app “Bitchat” has witnessed an extraordinary surge in interest. Analytics from tech platforms reveal a dramatic spike in searches for “Bitchat” within Madagascar, as evidenced by a leap from 0 to 100 on Google Trends.
According to Chrome-Stats, Bitchat has achieved over 365,307 total downloads since its inception, with a staggering 21,000 new installs in the last 24 hours alone. This trend underscores its critical role in providing communication alternatives during network disruptions. Searches for related terms like “Bitchat download” and “how to use Bitchat” have emerged as breakout topics, further highlighting the app’s growing relevance.
Bitchat operates as a Bluetooth mesh messaging tool that functions independently of internet connectivity or phone numbers. It leverages blockchain technology, using the Bitcoin network to complete transactions and facilitating secure Bitcoin transfers over Bluetooth. The app’s design emphasizes privacy, featuring end-to-end encryption, ephemeral messaging, and the use of cryptocurrency wallets as identifiers instead of traditional phone numbers.
Addressing the Digital Divide in Madagascar
Madagascar faces significant challenges in bridging the digital divide, with only 6.6 million of its nearly 32 million residents having online access as of early 2025, according to DataReportal. This limited connectivity underscores the barriers to information access and economic opportunity in the nation.
Despite over 18 million active mobile subscriptions, many rely solely on voice calling and SMS, lacking full internet access. These statistics highlight the persistent issues of accessibility and affordability that continue to impede progress in Madagascar.
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