(Bloomberg) -Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina called a military general as the new prime minister of the nation when protests anti-government protests entered a third week.
Ruphin Fortunat Dimbisoa Zafisambo replaces Christian Ntsay, who was fired a week ago.
Under pressure from the demonstrators led by the youth, Rajoelina fired his government on September 29 to pacify the movement, while ignoring the demands of the so-called Gen Z Mada demonstrators to resign.
“Public order must be restored as soon as possible,” said Rajoelina from the Staatspaleis. “We are about to bring about a real shift in the management of Public Affairs by establishing a new government. The goal is shared: responding to the expectations of people, but especially to solve the most urgent problems.”
The demonstrations about power and water shortages have become increasingly violent and the police dismissed tear gas when demonstrators tried to get through barricades on important access points in the capital, Antananarivo, on Monday.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people died in collisions with safety forces and scores were more injured. The protests reflect the demonstrations of Gen Z that originated in Morocco, where at least three people died, as well as in Kenya, Togo, Nepal and Indonesia.
“The fight will continue until our goal is achieved – the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and his entourage,” Clemence Raharinirina, a city councilor, told reporters in Antananarivo after some opposition legislators had joined the protests.
“People no longer want corrupt leaders who impoverish and destroy the nation,” he said.
Rajoelina has repeatedly said that he will not resign and strives to maintain institutional stability and continue with reforms.
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