Madagascar: Independence Day celebrated June 26

Event

Madagascar celebrates its Independence Day on Wednesday, June 26. The date is a public holiday and is typically observed with festivals, feasts, and a military parade at Mahamasina Municipal Stadium in the capital Antananarivo (Antananarivo province). Business, commercial, and transportation disruptions are expected. A heightened security presence is also expected across Madagascar and particularly near Mahamasina stadium.

Context

Madagascar gained its independence on June 26, 1960, following six decades of French colonial rule. In 2016, a grenade attack at an Independence Day concert in Mahamasina stadium left three dead and 90 others wounded.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar are advised to anticipate government, business, and transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and avoid large public gatherings as a precaution.