Madgascar: Further protests by street traders possible in Antananarivo in the coming days following unrest, July 22

Event

Further protests by street traders are possible in Antananarivo in the coming days following clashes between traders and the police in the Behoririka area of the city July 22. Police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters. There were no reports of casualties. The protest was sparked by a decision by the local authorities to ban street traders in the Soarano and Behoririka areas of the city. Local media reports that an increased security presence has been deployed in the Behoririka and nearby Analakely area the morning of July 23.

Officials will almost certainly deploy to the site of any further protest. Should protests occur, clashes are likely. Police deployments and protests will likely result in ground travel and business operation disruptions.

Advice

Exercise caution in recent impacted areas. Avoid all protests and concentrations of security personnel.