Wayne Lumbasi
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new Prime Minister in an attempt to calm weeks of nationwide protests led by the country’s Gen Z youth. The appointment follows the president’s decision to dissolve his government after days of unrest that have shaken the island nation.
The demonstrations, driven mostly by young citizens frustrated with power cuts, water shortages, rising living costs, and corruption, have grown into one of the biggest youth movements in Madagascar’s recent history. What started as calls for better services quickly turned into demands for President Rajoelina to step down.
Protesters, many of them students and young professionals, have filled the streets of Antananarivo and other major cities, holding banners and wearing black as a symbol of defiance. Some have adopted characters from the anime One Piece as icons of resistance. Many accuse the government of ignoring their struggles while living in comfort in a country where most people face poverty.
General Zafisambo, a senior army officer with little public exposure, has previously served in both military and administrative roles. President Rajoelina has given him six months to restore public trust and stability. The decision signals a shift toward a security-focused administration as pressure grows on the president to regain control of the situation.
Many observers believe the appointment may increase tensions instead of easing them, since bringing in a military figure to lead the government could be seen as a move to silence dissent rather than address the real concerns of citizens.
Civil society groups and opposition figures have warned that involving the army too deeply in politics could provoke even greater unrest among the young population seeking democratic change.
President Rajoelina has announced plans for a national dialogue that will include youth leaders, faith representatives, and civic groups. The coming weeks will determine whether this approach brings peace or fuels further divisions across Madagascar.
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