Madagascar: Protests continue in Antananarivo

Event

Continued demonstrations took place in the capital Antananarivo on Tuesday, April 24, in front of City Hall to denounce electoral reforms as well as the killing of two people during related demonstrations on April 21. On Wednesday, April 25, opposition members of parliament (MPs) are scheduled to file a request to the High Constitutional Court to demand the removal of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina. MPs have vowed to continue staging daily protests near City Hall until the president and his government resign. Further violence cannot be ruled out.

On a related note, the US Embassy in Madagascar is currently advising its nationals to avoid the Analakely district, located in the south of the capital, and surrounding areas (including Soarano, Behoririka, Tsaralalana, Ambodifilao, Ambatomena, Andohan’Analakely, and Ambohijatovo) when demonstrations are ongoing.

Context

On April 3, pro-government MPs passed three controversial electoral bills in a vote boycotted by opposition MPs. The laws were approved on April 12 by the senate, following which opposition supporters protested in front of the High Constitutional Court, calling for the reforms to be annulled.

In addition to the introduction of new electoral laws, protesters are also denouncing widespread corruption, the high price of rice and transportation, and inflation.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.