Madagascar: Opposition rally in Antananarivo August 1

Event

Andry Rajoelina, former president and leader of the IEM political movement (Initiative pour l'Emergence de Madagascar), will hold a political rally at the Palais des Sports et de la Culture de Mahamasina, located in the capital Antananarivo, on Wednesday, August 1. Hundreds of people are expected to attend the event, which is taking place amid an ongoing political crisis. A heightened security presence is anticipated near the rally site. Other related protests are possible in Antananarivo.

Context

Rajoelina became president of the High Transitional Authority of Madagascar in March 2009 during a political crisis, having held the office of mayor of Antananarivo. He stepped down in January 2014 following general elections held in 2013. It remains unclear if Rajoelina will run in the November presidential elections.

Since April 21, regular protests have taken place in Antananarivo, driven in large part by the passage of three controversial electoral bills in early April. Protests have continued in recent months despite a High Constitutional Court ruling in May that declared the three laws unconstitutional.

On June 11, President Hery Rajaonarimampianina announced that a new "consensus" government had been formed under newly appointed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, in a bid to end the political crisis. However, opposition leaders continue to call for key cabinet positions to be held by members of their party. Furthermore, protesters regularly denounce the government's inability to fulfil union demands, including better working conditions and cheaper fuel. They area also demanding the postponement of the upcoming presidential election.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar, particularly 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.