(MENAFN) Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new prime minister, in what appears to be an effort to suppress mounting youth-led protests that have swept across the nation.

Announcing the decision at the presidential palace, Rajoelina said the country needed a leader “capable of restoring order and the people’s trust,” adding that the general must be “someone clean” and “ready to save Madagascar.”

The move comes amid growing unrest led by Gen Z Mada, a youth movement that has emerged as a major force against Rajoelina’s rule. The group swiftly rejected the appointment, issuing an ultimatum for the president to step down within 48 hours, vowing to continue demonstrations until he does.

The protests, which began on September 25, were initially sparked by anger over frequent water and electricity shortages but have since expanded into a broader revolt over corruption, unemployment, and economic inequality.

The president had already dismissed former prime minister Christian Ntsay, a civilian, and his cabinet last week in a failed attempt to calm public outrage. The installation of General Zafisambo—who previously served as director of the military cabinet in the prime minister’s office—signals a clear shift toward military influence in the government.

Rajoelina’s decision follows his recent warning of a possible coup attempt, raising speculation that the appointment aims to secure the loyalty of the armed forces amid growing instability.

Violence has continued across the country as protests enter their third week. Security forces clashed with demonstrators in several cities on Monday, including Antananarivo, Toliara, and Diego Suarez. Witnesses reported that hundreds of students marched toward the capital’s center, where police erected barricades. One young protester was injured and hospitalized following confrontations with security forces.

While the United Nations reported that at least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured since the unrest began, the Madagascar government dismissed these figures as “rumors and misinformation.”

Madagascar, which has experienced several political upheavals since gaining independence in 1960—including the 2009 uprising that ousted former President Marc Ravalomanana and brought Rajoelina to power—now faces one of its most serious crises in over a decade.

Despite its rich natural resources, the island remains one of the world’s poorest nations, with three-quarters of its population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. Only about one-third of its 30 million citizens have access to electricity, IMF data shows.

The appointment of General Zafisambo may restore short-term order, but for many protesters, it is seen as a sign that the government is turning to the military rather than addressing the root causes of popular discontent.

MENAFN07102025000045017640ID1110161669