Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has appointed army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new prime minister, replacing Christian Ntsay, who was dismissed along with his cabinet last week.
The appointment comes as the nation grapples with its worst wave of protests in years, sparked by power and water shortages, as well as rampant poverty and corruption.
Despite calls for his resignation, Rajoelina remains committed to dialogue, emphasizing the need for solutions to improve people’s daily lives.
The protests, which have seen police fire tear gas at demonstrators, have resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to the United Nations. General Zafisambo’s top priority will be to restore electricity and water supply to the country.
