Madagascar: Relative calm in Antananarivo April 23 /update 2

Event

Calm has been restored in the capital Antananarivo following a tense sociopolitical situation over the weekend of April 21-22. Opposition protests held in front of the City Hall to denounce electoral law reforms left three people dead on Saturday, April 21. The area was cordoned off by dozens of soldiers on Sunday. The soldiers have since left the area, clearing the way for some 100 opposition activists to gather. Opposition members of parliament (MPs) have vowed to stage daily protests near the City Hall until the president and his government resign. Further violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

On April 3, pro-government MPs passed three controversial electoral bills; opposition MPs boycotted the vote. 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.

Advice

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