Madagascar’s Leader Taps Army General as New PM

2025-10-07 04:16:51

(MENAFN) Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister on Monday, just days after dissolving his government in the wake of intensifying protests over ongoing power and water shortages.

General Zafisambo replaces Christian Ntsay, who, along with his cabinet, was dismissed in Rajoelina’s initial response to the “Gen-Z” driven protests, which have been organized primarily through social media platforms.

"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 declared from the presidential palace in Antananarivo. He emphasized that the military official “should serve the people with integrity.”

Zafisambo, previously director of the military Cabinet within the prime minister’s office since 2021, steps into his role as protests enter their third week, featuring persistent demands for the president’s resignation.

Despite mounting pressure, Rajoelina remains steadfast, insisting his administration’s priority is to enhance essential services such as water and electricity for the Indian Ocean nation’s population.

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