Madagascar - April 2023

On 31 March, Madagascar’s Interior Minister announced a ban on political demonstrations in open public places, ordering that they be limited to enclosed spaces. This ban comes seven months before the next presidential election and is seen by critics of the government as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. Current President Andry Rajoelina is widely expected to run for re-election, and the ban has been interpreted by opposition parties as favouring him. On 4 April, an opposition party (Malagasy Miara-Miainga - MMM) was denied permission to hold a rally at a small stadium in Imito. The MMM party challenged the denial of permission for the rally at an administrative court, which then referred the case to the High Constitutional Court. No ruling on the case had yet been issued by the end of April.

Sources: Radio France Internationale (1), Al Jazeera, Midi Madagasikara, Radio France Internationale (2)