Madagascar: Protest in Antananarivo July 27 /update 15

Event

Opposition political parties and unions are  planning to continue their anti-government demonstrations at Place du 13 Mai in the capital Antananarivo on Friday, July 27. The protest is expected to start at 10:00 (local time). A heightened security presence is also anticipated near the protest site and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out. Additional related protests are possible in Antananarivo in the coming weeks.

Context

Protesters are denouncing the government's inability to fulfill union demands, including for better working conditions and cheaper fuel. The protest is reportedly also being planned to demand the postponement of the upcoming November presidential election, which critics say will not provide solutions to their socioeconomic grievances amid a political crisis.

On June 11, President Hery Rajaonarimampianina announced that a new "consensus" government had been formed under newly appointed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay. However, opposition leaders continue to call for key cabinet positions to be held by members of their party. Meanwhile, recurring anti-government protests have taken place for over three months, driven in large part by the passage of three controversial electoral bills in early April. Police fired tear gas at demonstrators during an opposition march held on April 21, fatally wounding two people. Protests have continued in recent weeks despite a High Constitutional Court ruling on May 3 that declared the three laws to be unconstitutional.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar, particularly in Antananarivo, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.