Youth-led protesters in Madagascar erupted in anger Monday following the appointment of businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the country’s new interim leader.

The move, they say, betrays the revolution that ousted President Andry Rajoelina last month.

Randrianirina, sworn in Friday after a military takeover, defended the appointment as a stabilizing measure, citing Rajaonarivelo’s “experience and connection with international organizations.” The new prime minister replaces Ruphin Zafisambo, who was named by Rajoelina just weeks before his removal.

But Gen Z activists—who spearheaded the protests that led to the dissolution of parliament—condemned the decision as a “hijacking” of their demand for radical change. “We will not allow old practices to be passed off as something new... Our revolution will not be hijacked,” they declared in a statement, demanding transparency in the selection process and vowing continued mobilization.

The backlash highlights the fragile post-coup landscape in Madagascar. What began as protests over water and power shortages escalated into a full-blown political upheaval. Now, Randrianirina’s choice of a financial heavyweight with ties to global firms has sparked fears of elite continuity in a country where 75% of the population lives in poverty.

As Madagascar faces suspension from the African Union and mounting pressure from youth movements demanding genuine reform, the appointment risks reigniting unrest. The protesters’ message is clear: cosmetic change will not suffice.