Madagascar’s president appoints new ministers to head security portfolios

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina appointed new ministers Wednesday to head three security portfolios as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for dialogue to end anti-government protests in the island nation.

Rajoelina named General Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo as minister of the armed forces, Police Controller General Randriambelo Mandimbin'ny Aina as minister of public security and General Rakotondrazaka Andriatsarafara Andriamitovy as deputy minister of the gendarmerie two days after swearing in a new prime minister and a little over a week after sacking his entire government.

The presidency announced the appointments following a ceremony at the state palace in the capital Antananarivo, noting that the three portfolios were critical in maintaining national stability.

Rajoelina's call for dialogue was rejected by the "Gen Z" movement, the pioneers of an anti-government protest against severe water and electricity cuts that turned into calls for him to quit.

In a statement late Wednesday, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened "by the tragic loss of life and destruction of property since the beginning of the youth-led protests on Sept. 25.

"The Secretary-General also underscores that protests must take place in a peaceful manner, respecting life, property and the rule of law and calls for dialogue towards forging a constructive path forward," Dujarric said.

He said Guterres also asked authorities to comply with international human rights laws.