Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on Monday, October 6, appointed Ruphin Fortunat Dimbisoa Zafisambo as the country’s new Prime minister, a week after the government was dissolved amid nationwide demonstrations.
Rajoelina said Zafisambo must be “capable of restoring order and regaining the people’s trust,” outlining his immediate priorities as improving living conditions and addressing the population’s grievances. Zafisambo, who previously served as director of the military office at the Prime Minister’s Office since 2021, steps into the role at a time of heightened political tension.
The dissolution of the government on 29 September followed days of protests in major cities, including Antananarivo, over persistent power cuts and water shortages. Some demonstrations escalated into looting, causing widespread economic damage. Acknowledging the public’s frustration, Rajoelina pledged that the new administration’s “absolute priority” will be to restore electricity and water supplies swiftly, while reaffirming his commitment to meeting the aspirations of the Malagasy people.