Madagascar Prime Minister, government resign

Madagascar Prime Minister Jean Ravelonarivo and his cabinet have resigned, an official at the president’s office said on Friday without giving an explanation.

“The president has accepted the resignation of (the) prime minister and all members of the government. The current members of the government are dealing with current business until the appointment of new members of the government,” Roger Ralala, Secretary General of the presidency, said in a statement.

The resignation comes after weeks of controversy over a suspected conflict with the head of state, Hery Rajaonarimampianina.

This is the second government resignation in two years with the previous government resigning in January 2015 amid public frustration over regular power cuts and failure to improve the life of the people.

Ravelonarivo took office in January 2015 after public frustration with power cuts, rampant unemployment and a stagnant economy forced out the previous administration.

Reuters