Madagascar President Names Army General as New Prime Minister Amid Growing Protests

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new Prime Minister, just a week after dismissing his entire cabinet in response to intensifying nationwide protests.
The demonstrations, now entering their third week, were initially sparked by widespread frustration over persistent power outages and water shortages, but have since evolved into broader anti government protests. The movement, largely driven by students and young activists, has seen thousands take to the streets demanding President Rajoelina’s resignation.
Zafisambo, a member of the country’s administrative corps, has a military background. He began his training at the Antsirabe Military Academy in 1991 and later pursued further military education in France, according to French broadcaster RFI. His appointment is seen as an attempt to restore order and signal a shift in leadership amid the growing crisis.
Despite a heavy security presence, protests resumed on Monday with demonstrators rallying in the capital. Riot police responded with tear gas, further escalating tensions. Civil society groups and opposition figures have amplified calls for President Rajoelina to step down a demand he has so far firmly rejected.
In a national address on Saturday, Rajoelina acknowledged public frustration and claimed he was “ready to listen”, but remained defiant in the face of growing unrest. He accused opposition leaders of exploiting the crisis to “overthrow the government.”
During a Monday meeting with civil society leaders, the president ruled out any plans to seek a controversial third term, a concern that had fueled political unease in recent months.
Analysts say Zafisambo’s appointment may help stabilize internal government operations, but is unlikely to quell the protests unless concrete action is taken to resolve the underlying infrastructure issues and respond to the political grievances.