(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 previous government in response to widespread anti-government protests over water and power shortages.

Zafisambo succeeds Christian Ntsay, who was removed along with the rest of the cabinet following mass demonstrations inspired by social media and organized by younger generations.

“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 from the presidential palace in the capital, Antananarivo, adding that the military official should serve citizens with integrity.

Zafisambo, who previously served as director of the military Cabinet in the prime minister’s office from 2021 until his appointment, takes office as protests enter a third week, with demonstrators continuing to demand Rajoelina’s resignation.

The president, however, has emphasized that his primary goal remains advancing the nation’s critical priorities, particularly ensuring citizens have access to water and electricity.

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