Madagascar: Taxi driver strike in Antananarivo September 1-3 /update 1

Event

The Union of Urban Transportation Cooperatives (UCTU) has organized a taxi driver strike to take place in Antananarivo from Saturday, September 1, through Monday, September 3, to protest rising fuel prices. If the strike takes place as planned, no minibus taxis are expected to operate; significant transportation disruptions and increased demand for alternative modes of transportation are anticipated during this time. Demonstrations have not been planned as of Wednesday, August 29; however, spontaneous protests are possible in the coming days. A heightened security presence is to be expected to near any demonstration sites and clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

In June, a related strike took place in Antananarivo that resulted in significant transportation disruptions throughout the capital.

The steady rise in fuel prices along with the depreciation of the ariary (MGA) over the past several months have contributed to growing tensions in Madagascar. In recent years, state subsidies have offset increasing global prices. However, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons has announced that the government wants to intervene less in the market, indicating that prices - especially fuel costs - will likely continue to rise.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar, particularly those in Antananarivo, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, prepare for traffic disruptions and increased demand for alternative modes of transportation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.