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.

Madagascar’s new head of state is a soldier, not a seasoned politician. Propelled into power by a military mutiny that joined forces with a youth-led protest movement, Colonel Michael Randrianirina is now custodian of a fragile peace in one of the world's poorest countries.

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

Until a few days ago, few people outside Madagascar had ever heard the name Michael Randrianirina.But within three days, the

Colonel Michael Randrianirina has taken control of Madagascar after its sitting president fled following weeks of youth-led Gen Z protests against his rule. Following are key facts about Randrianirina: * Randrianirina is part of Madagascar's elite military CAPSAT unit,