After army coup, M adagascar’ ’s GenZ demand a voice in shaping what comes next

When an elite army colonel joined Madagascar’s GenZ protests earlier this month, forcing the president to flee the country, youth-movement leader Olivia Rafetison was happy to have the protection of men with guns, after weeks of state repression.

- TIM COCKS

Madagascar's young population, averaging just 19, faces a litany of problems that are largely the result of mismanagement by a succession of older men

(FILE PHOTO: REUTERS)

“He said: We're forthe people, we'll help you, we are by your side’, Malagasy were coming together for the same cause,” she said, describing the protests against electricity and water shortages that morphed into an uprising against President Andry Rajeolina. Days later, Colonel Michael Randrianirina said the army was in charge.

“It went from ‘protecting the people’ to taking power,” Rafetison, 28, said. “I'm not saying I'm against it ... But I am a little conflicted.” Randrianirina was sworn in as president on Friday, just three days after taking control of the island nation in the wake of the demonstrations that forced out his predecessor. He has said the military will rule alongside a civilian government for up to two years before organising new elections.