Michael Randrianirina

When Colonel Michael Randrianirina seized power in Madagascar last week, he promised stability after weeks of youth-led protests that toppled President Andry Rajoelina. Yet for many of the young activists who ignited the uprising, the sudden military takeover feels like a betrayal of their movement’s call for genuine change.

“We were fighting for system change, not to replace one president with another,” said Olivia Rafetison, leader of the Movement Gen Z Collective, a coalition of protest groups that rallied thousands of young Malagasies across Antananarivo.

Earlier this month, what began as demonstrations over chronic electricity and water shortages swelled into …