Madagascar Appoints Army General as New Prime Minister Amid Protests

New Prime Minister Appointment

• ⚡ Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo has been appointed as Madagascar's new prime minister.
• 🗓️ The appointment follows President Andry Rajoelina's dissolution of the previous government a week prior.
• 🎯 The president stated the need for a prime minister capable of restoring order and public trust.

Key Priorities and Challenges

• 💡 Zafisambo's immediate top priority will be to restore electricity and water supply.
• ⚠️ This appointment comes amidst ongoing anti-government demonstrations that have entered their third week.

Protests and Grievances

• ✊ Protesters, including university students, have returned to the streets voicing dissatisfaction with rampant poverty and high-level corruption.
• 🗣️ Some demonstrators are now demanding the resignation of President Rajoelina himself.
• 🌍 The current unrest is described as the largest wave of unrest in recent years, inspired by similar Gen Z marches in Kenya and Nepal.

Government Response and Context

• 📢 A spokesperson for the president's office claims the protest movement is being exploited by political actors aiming to destabilize the country.
• 📊 According to the United Nations, at least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured in the initial days of protests, though the government disputes these figures.
• 📉 Madagascar remains one of the world's poorest nations, with its per capita income declining significantly since independence.