Antananarivo, October 6 – Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the nation’s new prime minister, following the dissolution of the previous government in response to weeks of public protests over persistent power outages and water shortages. General Zafisambo takes over from Christian Ntsay, who was dismissed alongside his cabinet last week in what critics say was a move to quell mounting public anger.
President Rajoelina emphasized that the appointment was aimed at restoring both order and public confidence in government institutions. In announcing the new prime minister, Rajoelina stated that Zafisambo’s immediate focus would be addressing critical shortages in electricity and water, two of the central grievances fueling nationwide unrest. Prior to this appointment, Zafisambo served as the director of the military cabinet within the prime minister’s office, a role that positioned him close to government operations but outside traditional civilian leadership structures.
The appointment comes as Madagascar faces the third consecutive week of anti-government demonstrations. Protesters, largely university students and young citizens, have returned to the streets in cities across the country, demanding solutions to chronic shortages and pressing social issues. While the president has dismissed his cabinet in response to the unrest, many demonstrators are now calling for Rajoelina himself to step down, citing broader frustrations with corruption, mismanagement, and widening inequality.
Authorities have struggled to contain the demonstrations. In the capital, Antananarivo, police have reportedly used tear gas to disperse protesters, who continue to press for immediate reforms. Scenes from other cities, including Toliara in the south and Diego Suarez in the north, depict tense standoffs between law enforcement officers and demonstrators. Despite Madagascar’s significant natural resources, including minerals and fertile agricultural land, the nation remains among the poorest in the world. Analysts note that income per capita has declined by nearly half since the country gained independence in 1960, highlighting persistent economic and social challenges.
The current wave of protests has been described by observers as the most significant in recent years, drawing inspiration from youth-led movements in other parts of Africa and Asia. Many of these demonstrations reflect a growing sense of frustration among Madagascar’s young population, who are disproportionately affected by limited access to education, employment, and essential services. The movement has also shed light on structural governance issues, with widespread accusations of corruption and mismanagement undermining public trust in state institutions.
In recent statements, the presidency has acknowledged the unrest but rejected claims that the government has acted violently toward civilians. Authorities insist that the protests are being manipulated by external actors seeking to destabilize the country, a narrative repeated in official communications over the weekend. A spokesperson for the president emphasized that dialogue remains a priority, noting that the government is committed to accelerating practical solutions that improve daily life for ordinary Malagasy citizens.
Civil society groups have had a mixed response to the government’s calls for dialogue. While some organizations met with President Rajoelina last Saturday, others refused to participate, citing concerns over the safety of demonstrators and the lack of guarantees that arrested protesters would be released. These contrasting positions highlight the ongoing tension between the state and civil society, reflecting deeper mistrust that has fueled the continuation of public protests.
The broader context of Madagascar’s political crisis is inseparable from the country’s economic struggles. Despite abundant biodiversity and natural resources, the nation faces severe developmental challenges, including limited infrastructure, inadequate public services, and extreme poverty. Many residents report that irregular electricity and water supply have become daily hardships, exacerbating frustration and prompting citizens to take to the streets to demand accountability.
President Rajoelina, now facing a significant test of leadership, has pledged to listen to the concerns of the population, even as calls for his resignation grow louder. Analysts suggest that the appointment of a military figure to head the government signals a preference for a more controlled approach to restoring stability, rather than a purely political solution. General Zafisambo’s role will likely be scrutinized in the coming weeks as he attempts to address immediate service delivery challenges while navigating an increasingly volatile political environment.
Observers warn that the situation remains fragile. The combination of youth-led activism, systemic economic inequality, and political uncertainty creates a complex landscape for governance in Madagascar. The new prime minister’s success—or failure—could determine whether the nation moves toward reconciliation and reform or faces continued unrest and instability.