Madagascar: Teacher strike continues June 25 /update 1

Event

As of Monday, June 25, a strike launched by teachers on April 30 continues throughout the country, with particularly high participation rates in the capital Antananarivo. The strike was launched following an opposition activist call for a nationwide general strike amid an ongoing political crisis. Primary, middle, and high schools have been closed across the country for more almost two months, notably in cities.

Context

Teachers are demanding the payment of transportation and accommodation fees.

Teachers are demanding the payment of transportation and accommodation fees. On June 11, President Hery Rajaonarimampianina announced that the new "consensus" government had been formed under new appointed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay. However, opposition leaders continue to call for key cabinet positions to be held by members of their party. The anti-government protests ongoing now in Madagascar for more than two months are linked to three controversial electoral bills passed in early April by the parliament. 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. 

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.