President Andry Rajoelina has appointed army general Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister, a week after sacking his entire cabinet in response to weeks of youth-led demonstrations over chronic electricity and water shortages that have plunged the Indian Ocean island into unrest.

Zafisambo, an administrative corps veteran trained at Antsirabe Military Academy in 1991 and later in France, steps into the role as protests enter their third week, with students and activists demanding Rajoelina's resignation.

Security forces fired tear gas at Monday's rallies in the capital, but demonstrators pressed on, chanting against government failures in basic services.

Rajoelina, who seized power in a 2018 coup before winning elections in 2019 and 2023, addressed the crisis in a Saturday speech, expressing openness to dialogue but rejecting ouster calls. He accused opponents of plotting a takeover, vowing to listen while ruling out a third term in a Monday civil society meeting.

The cabinet purge followed escalating clashes that have disrupted daily life in Antananarivo and beyond.

The appointee's military background signals Rajoelina's pivot toward security expertise to stabilize the nation, where power outages and water cuts have fueled frustration since February's cyclone.

As Madagascar grapples with economic woes and climate vulnerability, the shake-up tests Rajoelina's grip ahead of 2028 polls, with youth movements vowing sustained pressure for accountability.