Madagascar’s leader assigns military general as new PM
(MENAFN) Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new prime minister, a week after dissolving his government in response to widespread anti-government protests over severe power and water shortages.
Zafisambo replaces Christian Ntsay, who was dismissed along with the rest of the cabinet as part of Rajoelina’s attempt to calm unrest that has spread across the Indian Ocean island nation. The demonstrations — driven largely by young people and organized via social media — have been described as “Gen-Z protests,” demanding better living conditions and government accountability.
“I have decided to appoint Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister. He must be capable of restoring order and regaining the people’s trust,” Rajoelina said during a speech at the presidential palace in Antananarivo on Monday.
The president added that the new leader, a career military officer, should “serve the people with integrity.”
Before his appointment, Zafisambo served as director of the military cabinet in the prime minister’s office from 2021. His promotion signals Rajoelina’s growing reliance on the armed forces to stabilize a country facing deepening public anger over rolling blackouts, water shortages, and rising costs of living.
Protests in the capital and other cities have now entered their third week, with demonstrators calling for Rajoelina’s resignation.
Despite mounting pressure, the president has vowed to stay the course, saying his government’s priority remains improving access to electricity and clean water, and advancing key development projects.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
