Madagascar: Opposition protests continue /update 5

Event

Anti-government protests have entered their fifth consecutive week in Madagascar with opposition leaders and supporters calling for the resignation of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina. On Monday, May 14, opposition members of parliament (MPs) called for schools to be closed next week. On Wednesday, May 16, opposition MPs will go to the University of Antananarivo to invite the students to join in a march to Analakely town hall. Protests are also expected to continue in Antananarivo, where opposition supporters have gathered in the May 13 Square daily since April 21.

Opposition leaders shunned the UN special envoy who arrived to mediate the conflict on Monday but have expressed a willingness to work with the World Council of Churches in Madagascar to find a way out of the crisis.

Context

On April 3, pro-government members of parliament (MPs) passed three controversial electoral bills in a vote boycotted by opposition MPs. Opposition supporters claimed that the laws were enacted in April in an effort to stop opposition politician Marc Ravalomanana from running for office later this year. Protests were launched by opposition activists to denounce the controversial electoral laws and demand the resignation of President Rajaonarimampianina. During one opposition march, police fired teargas at demonstrators and two people later died from their injuries.

On Thursday, May 3, the High Constitutional Court ruled that the three election laws were unconstitutional following weeks of protests but protests have continued.

Advice

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