Madagascar President Appoints Army General As New Prime Minister

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new Prime Minister, following the dissolution of the government amid growing public unrest over persistent electricity and water shortages.

Zafisambo succeeds former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, who was dismissed as part of a broader government shake-up. Before his appointment, the general served as Director of the Military Cabinet in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Before making the announcement, Rajoelina stated that the nation needed a “prime minister capable of restoring order and the people’s trust.” He emphasized that the new premier’s foremost task would be to stabilize power and water supply across the country.

Earlier on Monday, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Antananarivo and other cities, marking the third consecutive week of anti-government protests. The demonstrations have intensified since Rajoelina dismissed his cabinet last week, with many now calling for his resignation.

Security forces in the capital reportedly used tear gas to disperse crowds, many of whom were university students voicing frustrations over poor governance and economic hardship. The protests drawing inspiration from recent “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal represent the largest wave of dissent seen in Madagascar in recent years, highlighting growing anger over deepening poverty and allegations of corruption.

Television footage on Monday showed clashes between police and demonstrators in several regions, including the southern city of Toliara and the northern city of Diego Suarez.

Despite its rich natural resources and agricultural potential, Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest nations. Economic indicators show that the country’s income per capita has fallen by about 45% since its independence in 1960.

The United Nations reported that at least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured during the initial days of the unrest, figures the government has denied.

In a speech last Friday, President Rajoelina expressed willingness to engage with citizens’ grievances but dismissed calls for his resignation. Over the weekend, a spokesperson for his office said the protest movement was being “exploited by political actors who are seeking to destabilise the country,” adding that “President Rajoelina remains committed to dialogue, to accelerating solutions that improve people’s daily lives.”

The presidency also announced that Rajoelina held discussions with several civil society groups on Saturday, although details of the meeting were not disclosed. However, some organisations stated they declined the invitation, citing concerns that authorities had not guaranteed protesters’ safety or the release of those arrested during demonstrations.