Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new prime minister, a week after he dismissed the cabinet amid growing nationwide protests.
According to French broadcaster RFI, Zafisambo, who hails from the administrative corps, trained at the Antsirabe Military Academy in 1991 and later pursued advanced military studies in France.
The appointment comes as anti-government demonstrations, driven by public anger over persistent electricity and water shortages, enter their third week. The protests, largely spearheaded by students and young activists, have continued despite heavy police crackdowns involving tear gas.
Calls for President Rajoelina’s resignation have intensified, but in a speech on Saturday, he said he was open to dialogue while rejecting demands to step down.
He accused his political opponents of attempting to destabilise and overthrow his administration.
During a meeting with civil society representatives on Monday, the president ruled out running for a third term, pledging instead to focus on restoring stability and addressing citizens’ grievances.
