When Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar announced on that Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo, a Divisional General would become the new prime minister, the capital Antananarivo erupted in fresh protests. The appointment came just one week after the president dissolved the cabinet of former premier Christian Ntsay, and it landed squarely in the middle of a three‑week‑long uprising sparked by chronic water and electricity shortages.
Background: From Government Dissolution to Street Unrest
The unrest began on when university students in Antananarivo took to the streets after a week of rolling blackouts left dormitories in darkness. Within days, the movement spread to Toamasina and Antsirabe, with young professionals and market vendors joining the march. Social‑media platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram, turned the protests into a Gen Z‑driven flashpoint, branding the demonstrations as a demand for "real change" rather than a simple call for better services.
According to the World Bank, World Bank data from 2022 showed that roughly 24 million of Madagascar’s 32 million residents live below the poverty line. Those numbers provide a stark backdrop to the anger over infrastructure failure – a problem that, in many eyes, reflects deeper mismanagement at the highest levels of government.
The Appointment: Who Is General Zafisambo?
General Zafisambo, a career officer who rose through the ranks of the Malagasy army, is best known for his command of the 5th Infantry Brigade in the highlands. His nickname among soldiers is "The Iron Hand," a moniker that now carries political weight. In his own words, delivered from the presidential palace’s balcony, he promised to "serve the people with integrity and swift action." The move signals a classic playbook: bring a trusted military figure into civilian leadership to project stability.
Critics argue that the appointment blurs the line between armed forces and elected governance, a concern amplified by reports that the president’s close adviser, businessman Mamy Ravatomanga, has leveraged his security firm, the Madagascar Security Academy, to quell dissent. Ravatomanga, often referred to as "the vice president" in local media, appeared on private TV channels the same evening to deny accusations that his company took part in the tear‑gas dispersal of protesters.
Reactions on the Ground: Youth Protests Intensify
On the day of the announcement, police fired tear gas at a crowd of roughly 800 demonstrators gathered outside the National Assembly. AFP reporters on the scene noted at least one injury – a young man with a scraped eye – and a growing sense that the crackdown only deepened resolve. The Gen Z movement issued a 48‑hour ultimatum, demanding Rajoelina’s resignation and warning, "As long as Andry Rajoelina remains in power, we will keep fighting."
University lecturer and protest spokesperson, whose name the authorities have kept under wraps for safety, told local radio, "We’re not against the army per se; we’re against a system that lets a handful of elites hoard resources while our taps run dry." The sentiment underscores a shift from isolated grievances to a broader call for political overhaul.
Political Stakes: Power, Patronage, and the Role of Security Forces
Rajoelina’s rhetoric painted the opposition as “political actors” intent on destabilising the nation. He argued that the new prime minister would help “save Madagascar” by streamlining decision‑making. Yet analysts from TRT Afrika point out that the president’s reliance on security apparatuses could embolden further authoritarian tendencies.
Moreover, the involvement of Ravatomanga adds a layer of patronage politics. His security company has been accused of receiving lucrative contracts worth millions of dollars, contracts many say were awarded without transparent bidding. If these allegations prove true, the appointment of a military prime minister could be seen as a move to protect those economic interests rather than address the systemic failures driving the protests.
What Comes Next? Scenarios for Madagascar’s Future
Three near‑term scenarios are emerging:
- Negotiated Transition: The government opens a dialogue with youth leaders, perhaps offering an interim technocratic cabinet that includes civilian experts alongside the military prime minister.
- Escalated Repression: Security forces receive new orders to disperse protests more aggressively, risking international condemnation and possible sanctions.
- Political Stalemate: Both sides remain entrenched, leading to a protracted crisis that could cripple the economy and deter foreign investment.
International observers, including the African Union, have warned that prolonged instability could spill over into the broader Indian Ocean region, affecting trade routes that pass near Madagascar’s ports.
Key Facts
- Date of appointment:
- New prime minister: Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo
- Former prime minister dismissed: Christian Ntsay
- Protests began:
- Population below poverty line (2022): ~75 % (World Bank)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the appointment of General Zafisambo affect the ongoing protests?
For many demonstrators the move validates their claim that the government is leaning on the military to silence dissent. While the president argues the appointment brings stability, protest leaders say it deepens mistrust and may spur larger turnouts unless concrete reforms on water and electricity are delivered.
What are the main grievances behind the youth‑led movement?
The protests started over frequent power cuts and unreliable water supply, but have grown to include demands for an end to corruption, greater transparency in public contracts, and the resignation of President Rajoelina, whom many see as the chief architect of the country's economic woes.
Who are the key figures supporting President Rajoelina?
Besides General Zafisambo, the president counts on influential businessman Mamy Ravatomanga and his security firm, the Madagascar Security Academy, as well as loyalists within the army and state‑run media like TVM.
What could trigger an international response to the crisis?
If security forces resort to lethal force or if evidence emerges that the president is using the military to suppress legitimate dissent, regional bodies such as the African Union and donor nations may impose diplomatic pressure or suspend aid, especially given Madagascar’s reliance on foreign assistance for infrastructure projects.
What are the prospects for economic recovery amid the turmoil?
Economic recovery hinges on restoring basic services. Investors are watching closely; continued unrest could delay planned mining ventures and tourism, sectors that together account for over 10 % of Madagascar’s GDP. A swift, inclusive political settlement could unlock the World Bank’s upcoming development package.
Tanvi Shrivastav
October 14, 2025 AT 00:09 AMAh, the ever‑so‑elegant ballet of power‑play in Antananarivo, where generals waltz into prime‑ministerial shoes and the youths merely tap‑dance in protest :).