Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed Army General Ruffin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new prime minister after dissolving the previous government amid intensifying nationwide protests. The demonstrations, now entering their third week, were triggered by widespread electricity outages and water shortages that have crippled daily life across the island nation. Protesters, led by the youth movement “Gen Z Madagascar,” are demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, chanting slogans like “Rajoelina Out” and “We are poor, angry, and unhappy.” Violence has escalated, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets, looting reported in several cities, and a night curfew imposed in the capital Antananarivo. President Rajoelina said the new prime minister’s main task is to restore law and order and rebuild public trust. Analysts say the unrest reflects a broader generational discontent seen in other African nations facing similar crises.