After weeks of protests against utility shortages and government mismanagement, an elite army colonel, Michael Randrianirina, joined the demonstrations and subsequently seized power in Madagascar, forcing President Andry Rajoelina to flee. While youth activists initially welcomed military protection, they now express ambivalence about the coup, demanding systemic change over merely a new leader.

• Youth-movement leader Olivia Rafetison of Movement Gen Z Collective described the military's shift from "protecting the people" to "taking power."
• Colonel Randrianirina was sworn in as president and stated the military will rule with a civilian government for up to two years before elections.
• Madagascar's young population, with an average age of 19, seeks fundamental system changes rather than just replacing one president, citing decades of economic decline and mismanagement.