Storyline: Residents in Madagascar are hoping for a return to normalcy following a tumultuous period of political upheaval that saw weeks of protests, the departure of the country's president, and a military takeover. The turmoil began late last month as protests erupted across the country, initially triggered by widespread power outages and water shortages. Some demonstrations turned violent and soon escalated into calls for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. The situation took a new turn on Saturday, with an army regiment declaring its support for and protection of the protesters, while Rajoelina said on Monday he had taken refuge in an unnamed "safe location" following an assassination attempt against him. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a Malagasy military officer, announced on Tuesday that state power in Madagascar had been taken over by a military council comprising members of the army, gendarmerie and national police. On the same day, the National Assembly of Madagascar, the lower house of the country's bicameral parliament, voted to impeach President Rajoelina during an extraordinary session in the capital Antananarivo, despite the Presidency's earlier announcement that the assembly had been dissolved. Following days of chaos and uncertainty, a sense of cautious normalcy is returning to the streets of the capital, as shops and marketplaces are reopening and the vital flow of goods is resuming. After taking power, Colonel Randrianirina moved quickly to assure residents that stability is his primary goal. "I encourage FFKM (the Malagasy Council of Christian Churches) to continue consultations with all the stakeholders so that we secure our country. My actions will be based on the outcome of the consultations for the good of our country," he said. For many business owners who have been left exhausted by the protests, the current calm comes as a welcome relief. "It's good we can work again, and I think that the protest was an eye opener to the government to think more about the citizens and better their livelihoods," said Ra Zily, a local vendor. While the immediate crisis has passed, questions remain about the military leadership and what the future could hold for Madagascar's economy. "I want our interim president to create more jobs for us. I am 73 years old and I need a good way to earn a living. But look at me, old and still struggling," said another local vendor named Mama Zety. Shotlist: Antananarivo, Madagascar - Oct 15, 2025: 1. Various of pedestrians on street, vendors, traffic 2. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, Malagasy military officer, shaking hands with soldiers, walking 3. SOUNDBITE (Malagasy, dubbed in English) Colonel Michael Randrianirina, Malagasy military officer (starting with shot 2): "I encourage FFKM to continue consultations with all the stakeholders so that we secure our country. My actions will be based on the outcome of the consultations for the good of our country." 4. Vendor arranging jewelry items 5. SOUNDBITE (Malagasy, dubbed in English) Ra Zily, vendor (starting with shot 4): "Yes, it's good we can work again, and I think that the protest was an eye opener to the government to think more about the citizens and better their livelihoods." 6. Soldiers on street 7. Local vendor Mama Zety at vegetable stall 8. SOUNDBITE (Malagasy, dubbed in English) Mama Zety, vendor: "I want our interim president to create more jobs for us. I am 73 years old and I need a good way to earn a living. But look at me, old and still struggling." 9. Various of soldiers; people, soldiers on street. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]