Madagascar: New Prime minister named June 4 /update 9

Event

On Monday, June 4, President Hery Rajaonarimampianina named Christian Ntsay as “consensus” prime minister to head a national unity government in a bid to end an ongoing political crisis. The designation came after Prime Minister Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana resigned earlier in the day following a court order directing him and his government to leave office by June 5 and a new “consensus” prime minister and a national unity government to be named by June 12.

Opposition members of parliaments (MPs) are expected to gather at the Place du 13 Mai on Tuesday, May 5, to report on the situation to their supporters.

It remains unclear if the nomination will help lessen high political tensions. Related protests to demand the resignation of the president remain likely, especially in the capital Antananarivo. Clashes between pro-government and opposition supporters are possible at protests, and a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions likely.

Context

Anti-government protests, ongoing now in Madagascar for more than six weeks, are linked to three controversial electoral bills passed in early April by the parliament. The vote was boycotted by opposition MPs, claiming the laws were enacted to stop opposition politician Marc Ravalomanana from running for office later in the year.

During an opposition march held on April 21, police fired teargas at demonstrators, fatally wounding two people. On May 3, the High Constitutional Court ruled the three laws unconstitutional; however, protests continued despite the ruling. On May 31, Defense Minister Beni Xavier Rasolofonirina threatened to intervene militarily if the government and opposition failed to find a solution to the crisis.

Advice

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