Madagascar President Appoints New Prime Minister

(MENAFN) In response to escalating nationwide demonstrations, Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, has selected Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister, taking over from Christian Ntsay.

This leadership transition follows the recent dissolution of the government, a move made amid rising civil discontent across the country.

During Monday’s announcement of the government overhaul, Rajoelina emphasized the necessity for a “prime minister capable of restoring order and the people’s trust.”

The protests, which have now stretched into their third week, were ignited by severe electricity blackouts and persistent water shortages, sparking widespread frustration among citizens.

Although Rajoelina dismissed his cabinet the previous week, public anger has continued to mount, with demonstrators now also demanding the president’s resignation.

The unrest, initially centered around infrastructure failures, has since evolved into a broader expression of public dissatisfaction.

Law enforcement has resorted to tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators, while reports of looting and assaults on commercial areas have surfaced.

In response, officials have implemented an overnight curfew in the capital and closed major roads, but the protests show no signs of waning.

Thousands of citizens have assembled in Antananarivo and other major cities, rallying under the banner of the youth-driven movement Gen Z Madagascar.

Demonstrators have voiced their grievances through chants like “Rajoelina Out,” “We are poor, angry, and unhappy,” and “Madagascar is ours.”

Addressing the nation through a state broadcaster, and as cited by a news agency, Rajoelina acknowledged the public's suffering: “I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems. I heard the call, I felt the suffering, I understood the impact on daily life.”

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