Madagascar: Protests in Antananarivo July 7-8

Event

On Friday, July 7, a labor protest is planned to take place near Route de Hydrocarbures in Ankorondrano, Avenue de l'Independence in Analakely, and downtown Antananarivo.

On Saturday, July 8, a political rally is planned to take place near Mahamasina Stadium and Behoririka in central Antananarivo.

Context

On Wednesday, July 5, customs officers launched an indefinite nationwide strike to protest the non-payment of salaries that they claim have been due since 2013. The strike follows six months of unsuccessful negotiations with the Ministry of Finance and Budget. Malagasy entrepreneurs and industrialists, who are being directly impacted, are calling on both sides to quickly find a solution to the issue. While the government affirms that all custom offices remain open, the customs officer union announced that all employees are following the strike.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all demonstrations as violence cannot be ruled out.