Police repression during the peaceful march in Madagascar: a sad reminder of the fragility of democracy
On Saturday October 7, a peaceful march organized by presidential candidates grouped in “the collective of 11” was violently repressed by the police in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. While more than a thousand demonstrators gathered to express their discontent, the police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, creating a worrying climate of tension and violence.
The candidates of the collective of 11, gathered under the Malagasy flags, had nevertheless planned a peaceful march, guided by democratic values and respect for human rights. However, they were trapped when security forces opened fire with tear gas canisters. Some sources even report that shots were fired, slightly injuring one of the candidates, Marc Ravalomanana.
This escalation of violence is strongly condemned by the presidential candidates. Hajo Andrianainarivelo denounces a brutal repression which highlights the actions of a “government of thugs”. For him, the police are supposed to protect the population and not repress them. Despite this repression, the candidates remain determined and promise to continue taking to the streets, but this time throughout Madagascar, in order to make their voices heard.
Parallel to this tragic situation, the Ecumenical Council of Christian Churches of Madagascar (FFKM) attempted to establish discussions with representatives of Andry Rajoelina, an important political figure in the country. However, several spokespersons for the collective of 11 decided to leave the negotiating table, denouncing the inadmissibility of police violence. Rivo Rakotovao, national president of the HVM party, says people were injured and hospitalized, which justifies his decision to leave the negotiations.
Faced with this worrying situation, religious leaders want to be reassuring and announce the resumption of mediation from this Monday. However, it is important to emphasize that the brutal repression of the peaceful march highlights the continuing challenges to democracy in Madagascar. This violation of human rights reminds us that Malagasy society must still fight for a truly participatory democracy that respects individual freedoms.
In conclusion, the repression of the peaceful march in Madagascar on October 7 is a sad reminder of the fragility of democracy in the country. Presidential candidates were victims of police violence as they sought to peacefully express their discontent. This alarming situation highlights the need for continued commitment to a democracy that truly respects human rights and fundamental freedoms.