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 escalating protests over power and water shortages. The announcement came on Monday, marking a significant political shift in the Indian Ocean island nation.
General Zafisambo replaces outgoing Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, who was dismissed last week as part of Rajoelina’s broader government overhaul. Before his appointment, Zafisambo served as the director of the military cabinet in the prime minister’s office.
In his announcement, President Rajoelina said Madagascar needed “a prime minister capable of restoring order and the people’s trust.” His remarks came as protests entered their third week, with demonstrators demanding urgent action on worsening living conditions and, increasingly, Rajoelina’s own resignation.
On Monday, police in the capital Antananarivo used tear gas to disperse protesters, many of whom were university students. Demonstrations have spread beyond the capital to cities such as Toliara in the south and Diego Suarez in the north, according to Malagasy television reports.
The protests, inspired by similar “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, represent one of the largest waves of unrest Madagascar has seen in recent years. Demonstrators have voiced deep frustration over poverty, corruption, and the government’s failure to provide basic services.
Despite its rich natural resources including minerals, fertile land, and unique biodiversity Madagascar remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The United Nations estimates that the country’s income per capita has fallen by 45% since gaining independence in 1960.
The UN also reported that at least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured in the early days of the protests, though the government disputes these figures. President Rajoelina has said he is open to dialogue but has not addressed demands for his resignation, leaving the country’s political future uncertain.
