The announcement follows Rajoelina’s decision to dissolve his government just a week prior, a move that saw the dismissal of former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and his entire cabinet. The dissolution was a direct response to mounting pressure from mass protests, which have been largely organized through social media platforms and inspired by a youth-led movement dubbed “Gen-Z.” These protests, now entering their third week, have seen citizens take to the streets in the capital, Antananarivo, and other parts of the country, voicing their discontent with the government’s inability to provide basic services like electricity and clean water. The demonstrators have also repeatedly called for President Rajoelina’s resignation, accusing his administration of failing to deliver on promises of development and improved living conditions.
Speaking from the presidential palace in Antananarivo, President Rajoelina addressed the nation, emphasizing the need for a leadership change to restore stability and public confidence. “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 declared. He underscored that Zafisambo, a military figure with a reputation for discipline and loyalty, is expected to serve the Malagasy people with integrity and dedication. The president’s choice of a military general for the role signals a strategic move to project strength and decisiveness in addressing the ongoing crisis.
General Zafisambo, who previously served as the director of the military cabinet in the prime minister’s office from 2021 until his recent appointment, steps into a challenging role. His military background is likely to shape his approach to governance, particularly in dealing with the protests that have disrupted daily life in Madagascar. The demonstrations, which began as spontaneous expressions of frustration, have grown into a sustained movement, with organizers leveraging social media to mobilize young people and amplify their demands. The protests have drawn comparisons to global youth-led movements, with Madagascar’s “Gen-Z” protesters using digital platforms to coordinate rallies, share grievances, and maintain pressure on the government.
The root causes of the unrest lie in Madagascar’s chronic infrastructure challenges, particularly in the provision of electricity and water. Frequent power outages and water shortages have plagued the country for years, exacerbating poverty and hindering economic development. For many Malagasy citizens, these issues are emblematic of deeper systemic failures in governance. The lack of reliable access to basic utilities has fueled public anger, with protesters arguing that the government has not done enough to address these critical needs. The situation has been particularly dire in urban areas like Antananarivo, where residents often face long hours without electricity and limited access to clean water.
President Rajoelina, who has been in power since 2019 after a controversial election, has faced criticism for his administration’s handling of these issues. Despite his promises to prioritize development and improve living standards, progress has been slow, and many citizens feel that their quality of life has not improved. In his address, Rajoelina acknowledged the public’s frustrations but maintained that his administration remains committed to advancing Madagascar’s key priorities. “My resolute goal is to ensure that citizens have access to water and electricity,” he stated, outlining his vision for a more stable and prosperous nation.
The appointment of Zafisambo is seen as an attempt to stabilize the political situation and demonstrate that the government is taking decisive action. However, the choice of a military figure has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters argue that Zafisambo’s military experience equips him to handle the unrest with authority and restore order. They point to his long-standing role in the prime minister’s office as evidence of his familiarity with government operations. Critics, however, express concern that appointing a general could signal a shift toward a more authoritarian approach, potentially escalating tensions with protesters who are already wary of the government’s intentions.
The protests, which have now persisted for over two weeks, show no signs of abating. Demonstrators have continued to gather in Antananarivo and other cities, chanting slogans and holding placards demanding systemic change. The movement has gained significant traction among young people, who make up a large portion of Madagascar’s population. With over 60% of the country’s 28 million people under the age of 25, the “Gen-Z” protests reflect the frustrations of a generation that feels marginalized and overlooked by the political establishment. Social media has played a pivotal role in amplifying their voices, allowing protesters to share videos, images, and messages that highlight the government’s shortcomings.
The appointment of a new prime minister is unlikely to immediately quell the unrest, as the protesters’ demands extend beyond a change in leadership. Many are calling for structural reforms to address the root causes of Madagascar’s challenges, including investments in infrastructure, job creation, and anti-corruption measures. The country’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism, has been further strained by global challenges such as climate change and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cyclones and other natural disasters have also taken a toll, exacerbating the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
Zafisambo’s immediate task will be to form a new government capable of addressing these complex issues while navigating the delicate balance between restoring order and responding to public demands. His military background may provide him with the tools to enforce stability, but it remains to be seen whether he can win over a disillusioned populace. The new prime minister will also need to work closely with President Rajoelina to implement policies that deliver tangible improvements in the provision of electricity, water, and other essential services.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation in Madagascar, given its strategic importance in the Indian Ocean region. The country’s political stability has implications for regional trade, security, and environmental conservation, as Madagascar is home to unique biodiversity and natural resources. The African Union and other regional bodies have called for dialogue between the government and protesters to prevent further escalation. Some analysts suggest that mediation efforts may be necessary to bridge the gap between the administration and the public, particularly if the protests continue to grow in scale.
As Madagascar moves forward under Zafisambo’s leadership, the challenges ahead are formidable. The new prime minister will need to address not only the immediate demands of the protesters but also the broader structural issues that have fueled discontent. Restoring public trust will require transparency, accountability, and a clear commitment to addressing the needs of the Malagasy people. For President Rajoelina, the appointment of Zafisambo represents a high-stakes gamble to regain control of a volatile situation while maintaining his grip on power.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Zafisambo’s appointment marks a turning point for Madagascar or whether it will further inflame tensions. For now, the streets of Antananarivo remain a battleground for competing visions of the country’s future, with the youth-led protests serving as a powerful reminder of the urgency of change. As the nation watches closely, the new prime minister’s ability to deliver on promises of stability and progress will shape Madagascar’s path forward in this pivotal moment in its history.
