An elite army colonel joined Madagascar’s Gen Z protests this month, forcing President Andry Rajeolina to flee the country.
Youth leader Olivia Rafetison welcomed the protection, describing weeks of state repression and protests over electricity and water shortages.
“He said: ‘we’re for the people, we’ll help you, we are by your side,’” she recalled as crowds rallied together.
Days later, Colonel Michael Randrianirina declared the army in control, transforming a protective mission into an unexpected seizure of power.
Rafetison, 28, expressed ambivalence, saying she understood the army’s actions but remained cautious about replacing one leader with another.
Randrianirina was sworn in as president on Friday, three days after taking control, pledging military rule alongside a civilian government.
The military promised elections within two years, but Madagascar’s young activists demand systemic change, not a mere rotation of leaders.
Rafetison said the army met Gen Z figures on the night of the coup but ended discussions prematurely, leaving hopes uncertain.
Madagascar’s population averages 19 years old and struggles under decades of mismanagement, with GDP per capita nearly halving since independence.
Cobbled streets of Antananarivo brim with beggars and hawkers, reflecting widespread poverty and failure to deliver basic services, activists said.
Alicia Andriana of Assedu-Mada thanked the army intervention but insisted the movement still seeks water, electricity, and food for all families.
Some Gen Z groups warn the military may protect the system rather than the people, expressing skepticism on social media platforms.
Transparency International’s Ketakandriana Rafitoson said coups are undesirable, but rapid military intervention was the only way to prevent further bloodshed.
Activists like Tolotra Andrianirina vow to continue protests if the military government ignores their demands for genuine systemic reform.
“Madagascar’s youth reclaimed civic space once,” he said. “We are ready to return to the streets if necessary to fight again.”
