• Madagascar's military-led government appointed a cabinet with mostly civilian ministers.
• Colonel Michael Randrianirina promises to rule with a transitional government for two years.
• The new government includes several critics of ousted president Andry Rajoelina.
• Chronic power and water shortages were key issues that prompted protests.
• Rajoelina has refused to step down while in exile despite the new government's legitimacy.

Madagascar's military-led government appointed a cabinet on October 28, primarily composed of civilian ministers, reflecting a shift following the recent coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. This cabinet features several prominent critics of Rajoelina, signaling a potential path towards addressing the political tensions that have led to significant unrest in the nation, according to Reuters and Africanews.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who took control of the island nation after weeks of protests, was sworn in as interim president shortly after the coup. Randrianirina outlined plans for a military-led committee to govern alongside a transitional government for up to two years until new elections can be held. His cabinet consists of 25 civilian members and only four military or paramilitary officers, appointed to key security positions, according to Le Monde and Africanews.

Among the new ministers, Christine Razanamahasoa has been appointed foreign minister, while Fanirisoa Ernaivo, who lived in exile, has become justice minister. Randrianirina stressed the importance of fighting corruption and recovering assets obtained through corrupt practices. Despite these new appointments, concerns remain about whether the government will adhere to the demands of the youth-led protests for a truly transformative leadership, as echoed in Reuters and Le Monde.

The newly appointed cabinet faces the immediate challenge of addressing chronic power and water shortages that significantly contributed to Rajoelina’s downfall. While the situation remains tense, the lack of immediate reactions from protest leaders suggests a cautious approach as this politically precarious situation unfolds, according to Reuters and Africanews.