Madagascar: Opposition protests continue /update 10

Event

On Tuesday, June 5, opposition leaders called for demonstrations to continue. This is despite the June 4 nomination of Christian Ntsay as “consensus” prime minister to head a national unity government, a move that was intended to end the ongoing political crisis.

Opposition supporters are expected to continue gathering on a daily basis at Place du 13 Mai in the capital Antananarivo to demand the resignation of the president. 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.