Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister in a bid to quell ongoing youth-led protests against his administration. The decision, announced on Monday, comes amid heightened tensions and fears of a potential coup. Rajoelina described the appointment as necessary to restore order and public trust, emphasizing the need for a leader capable of saving the nation. However, the protest movement, known as Gen Z Mada, swiftly rejected the move, demanding Rajoelina’s resignation within 48 hours and vowing to continue their struggle. The protests, which began on September 25, were initially sparked by widespread anger over frequent water and power outages but have since evolved into a broader outcry against corruption and high unemployment. Last week, Rajoelina dismissed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and his cabinet in an attempt to appease demonstrators, but the unrest has persisted. General Zafisambo, previously the director of the military cabinet in the prime minister’s office, now assumes a role that underscores the increasing militarization of the government. The UN has reported at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries during the protests, though the government disputes these figures, labeling them as misinformation. Clashes between security forces and protesters continued on Monday in several cities, including the capital, Antananarivo, as the unrest entered its third week. Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations, has a history of political instability, with Rajoelina himself coming to power after mass protests in 2009. The current demonstrations represent the most significant challenge to his leadership since his re-election in 2023. With 75% of the population living below the poverty line and only a third having access to electricity, the protests highlight deep-seated economic and social grievances.