Madagascar's president names army general as new prime minister

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina named army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister Monday, a week after dissolving his government amid heated anti-government protests over power and water shortages.

Zafisambo replaced Christian Ntsay, who was dismissed along with the rest of the government in Rajoelina's initial action responding to the "Gen-Z" inspired mass protests organized through social media.

"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," said Rajoelina, speaking from the presidential palace in the capital Antananarivo, adding the military man should serve the people with integrity.

Zafisambo, who was director of the military Cabinet in the prime minister's office from 2021 until his appointment, has assumed office amid protests that have entered a third week, punctuated by repeated calls for Rajoelina to resign.

The president however has maintained that his resolute goal is advancing the Indian Ocean island nation's key priorities, including providing citizens with water and electricity.