Madagascar President Appoints Army General as New Prime Minister Amid Escalating Protests

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new prime minister, following weeks of anti-government protests over worsening power and water shortages. The appointment comes just a week after Rajoelina dissolved his government and dismissed former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay in a move aimed at addressing growing unrest.

Zafisambo, who previously served as director of the military cabinet in the prime minister’s office, has been tasked with restoring public trust and stabilizing essential services. President Rajoelina said the general’s primary mission is to “restore order” and ensure the resumption of consistent electricity and water supplies — issues that have fueled widespread anger.

Despite these changes, protests have intensified. On Monday, demonstrators once again filled the streets of Antananarivo and other major cities such as Toliara and Diego Suarez, marking the third consecutive week of unrest. Police responded with tear gas as protesters, many of them university students, voiced frustration over poverty, corruption, and government mismanagement. The demonstrations, inspired by “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, represent one of the largest waves of dissent seen in Madagascar in years.

The United Nations reports at least 22 deaths and more than 100 injuries since the protests began, figures that the Malagasy government disputes. While Rajoelina has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue, he has refused to resign. His office claims political actors are exploiting the protests to destabilize the nation.

Civil society groups remain divided, with some meeting the president over the weekend and others refusing participation, demanding assurances of protest freedom and the release of detained demonstrators. Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest nations, its people facing deepening economic hardship and disillusionment with leadership.