President Andry Rajoelina's appointment of an army general as new prime minister was met with little enthusiasm in Madagascar Tuesday, as protesters gathered again ahead of a looming deadline set by the youth-led movement for a national strike.

Rajoelina named Major General Ruphin Fortunat Dimbisoa Zafisambo as head of government late Monday in a bid to quell anti-government unrest that has claimed 22 lives, according to a toll from the United Nations that is disputed by local authorities.

The day after the announcement, around 200 people gathered for a fresh demonstration in the capital, some telling AFP they did not see the change as a sign that Rajoelina was genuinely ready to tackle their demands.

"The president wants to convey that this is military power and civilians must stay in

See Full Page