Madagascar: Custom officers launch nationwide strike May 29

Event

Customs officers launched an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, May 29, to protest the non-payment of salary arrears they claim have been due since 2013. The strike follows five months of unsuccessful negotiations with the Ministry of Finance and Budget. On Tuesday, May 30, at least 100 agents reportedly gathered in front of the Customs Directorate in the capital city Antananarivo to demand payment. A meeting is scheduled to take place on May 30 between the Minister of Finance and Budget and representatives of the customs officers in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Meanwhile, cargoes remain backed up at ports and airports. Only a minimum level of service is currently being provided to allow for the passage of certain goods, including medical equipment, military armaments, diplomatic parcels, or animals.

Context

Customs officers are demanding the payment of salary arrears totaling approximately MGA 100,000 per month.

Unless quickly resolved, the strike could have a serious negative impact on the country’s economy; the current work stoppage by the customs officers is reportedly causing a loss of at least MGA 5 billion of revenue per day (nearly EUR 1.4 million).

Advice

Individuals present in Madagascar are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all demonstrations.