Madagascar Appoints Military General Ruphin Zafisambo as New Prime Minister Amid Protests

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed military general Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new Prime Minister, a week after dissolving the government. The decision comes amid ongoing protests over power and water shortages that have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations. Rajoelina claims that political opponents are trying to destabilize the country, while citizens demand better governance and living conditions.

Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, on Monday appointed military general Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new Prime Minister, marking a significant political shift just a week after he dissolved the previous government. The appointment was announced through an official statement, where the president emphasized that his decision was made thoughtfully and in the interest of restoring stability.

“With wisdom, I have decided to appoint Ruphin Fortunat Dimbisoa Zafisambo, Divisional General, as Prime Minister of the government,” Rajoelina declared. His choice of a high-ranking military officer is seen by some political observers as an effort to assert stronger control amid growing public discontent and unrest.

The move comes as the nation continues to grapple with widespread demonstrations that entered their third week on Monday. What began as protests over frequent power outages and chronic water shortages has now evolved into a broader outpouring of frustration against the government. Many citizens have accused the administration of neglecting basic infrastructure and failing to address long-standing economic challenges.

Protesters in the capital, Antananarivo, and other major cities have called for accountability, improved living conditions, and transparency from public officials. Reports from local media suggest that the demonstrations have been largely peaceful, although tensions remain high as security forces maintain a visible presence to prevent any escalation.

President Rajoelina, who first came to power in 2009 and returned to office in 2019, has dismissed claims that his leadership is failing. Instead, he accuses unnamed “political actors” of attempting to “destabilise” the country for their own interests. His administration insists that it is committed to addressing the grievances raised by citizens while ensuring peace and order.

The appointment of General Zafisambo as Prime Minister is expected to bring a new dynamic to the government, potentially signaling a shift toward a more security-oriented leadership approach. As Madagascar faces mounting economic pressures and growing public dissatisfaction, all eyes are now on how the new government will navigate the country through this period of political and social turbulence.