Madagascar President Appoints Army General PM Amid Youth Protests

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina appointed army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister amid ongoing youth-led protests fueled by power outages, water shortages, corruption, and economic hardships. This appointment follows the dissolution of the previous civilian government led by Christian Ntsay, reflecting Rajoelina's effort to restore order and public trust during escalating unrest. The protests, largely driven by the Gen Z movement and organized through social media, demand Rajoelina's resignation due to deteriorating living conditions and government inaction. Despite Rajoelina's willingness to listen, demonstrators remain steadfast, continuing their calls for change and accusing the president of ignoring their plight. Security forces have clashed with protesters, resulting in injuries and further tension across multiple cities. The militarization of the government with Zafisambo's appointment symbolizes a strategic move to secure military support amid this significant challenge to Rajoelina's administration.