Nigeria, Oct. 21 -- All eyes are on the new military regime that replaced the government of former President Andry Rajoelina, who fled Madagascar after several weeks of mass demonstrations. Malagasy are anxious to see whether the junta is a reincarnation of the past - Mr Rajoelina himself took power in a 2009 coup - or if it will deliver on its promises to work with the people to address their problems.

On 25 September, youths describing themselves as Gen-Z took to the streets of the capital Antananarivo and other big cities, protesting against incessant electricity blackouts, water shortages and spiralling corruption. Their demands escalated to include political reforms and Mr Rajoelina's resignation.

After an initial security crackdow...