When Colonel Michael Randrianirina sided with demonstrators demanding water, electricity and affordable food, youth leader Olivia Rafetison welcomed the protection after weeks of state repression.

"He said: 'we're for the people, we'll help you, we are by your side'. Malagasy were coming together for the same cause," Rafetison told Reuters, describing how protests over shortages morphed into an uprising against Rajeolina.

Days later, Randrianirina declared the army was in charge. "It went from 'protecting the people' to taking power," Rafetison, 28, said in downtown Antananarivo.

On Friday, just three days after seizing control, Randrianirina was sworn in as president. He pledged that the military would govern alongside civilians for up to two years before holding elections.GEN Z: CHANGE THE SYSTEM, NOT THE LEADER

Rafetison, who heads the Movement Gen Z Collective, admitted feeling conflicted about a soldier filling the vacuum left by Rajeolina's hasty exit. Many young protesters share her doubts.

On the night of the coup, Randrianirina met Rafetison and other Gen Z leaders, promising to listen. But the talks ended quickly, leaving activists uncertain. "This isn't the end of the struggle: we're really fighting for system change, not to swap one president for another," Rafetison said.

Madagascar's youth, with an average age of just 19, face poverty, hunger and decades of failed leadership. Even Rajeolina, once the world's youngest president at 34, disappointed by failing to deliver prosperity before being ousted in his 50s.WE ASKED FOR WATER, ELECTRICITY, AFFORDABLE FOOD

"Everyone is taking advantage of the system, they don't care. Even if the population dies of hunger, it's nothing to them," said Alicia Andriana of Assedu-Mada, speaking in a nightclub that doubles as a Gen Z meeting hub.

She welcomed the army's intervention but added: "No, not really. Not yet, because we don't have what we asked for. We asked for water, electricity, for every family to have enough to eat."

Some Gen Z groups remain wary. A Facebook collective, Gen-Z Tonga Saina, warned the military "protects the interests of the system, not the people."

Transparency International's Ketakandriana Rafitoson said coups are undesirable but argued the army was the only institution able to halt bloodshed after violent repression and the president's flight.

Still, activists insist they will not wait forever. "We can't be certain they will listen, but we can hope," said 23-year-old spokesperson Tolotra Andrianirina. "If not, we'll get back on the streets. We did it once; we can do it again."