While they had managed to invest Ambohijatovo on Tuesday, the demonstrators were kept away from the city center yesterday.
In Antananarivo, the tension has mounted a notch. The attempts to gather this Wednesday, October 1 were quickly neutralized by the police, which dispersed the crowds long before their arrival on the strategic places of Ambohijatovo. Next to the Rasalama high school, tear gas grenades were drawn. The trade unionists from Antanimbarinandriana, stopped in Ambatonakanga, were welcomed by the same muscular methods on their return.
New clashes
Unlike other major cities such as Toamasina, Toliara, Antsiranana or Fianarantsoa, where demonstrations have kept a peaceful character, the capital is experiencing an escalation of violence. The districts of Anosy, Behoririka, Antanimbarinandriana, Tsiazotafo, Mahamasina, Antaninandro or Ankadifotsy were the scene of new clashes. Improvised barricades have been erected by the demonstrators to block traffic, in reaction to the intervention deemed disproportionate to the police.
Forces Vives
On social networks, the images of the day are cold in the back. That of a child injured in the head in Ampandrana has particularly moved opinion. The interventions of the Red Cross have multiplied, proof of the severity of the clashes. Faced with this repression qualified as systematics, anger swells. Initially centered on water and electricity cuts, the demands are now expanding to the denunciation of corruption and governance deemed ineffective but also and above all “ Le départ d’Andry Rajoelina ». Students, workers, artists, influencers and simple citizens join the processions, determined to make their voices heard. A call for general mobilization was again launched by students. They invite unions, civil society and elected officials to join the movement. The Union of the country’s living forces is perceived as the key to obtaining concrete answers. The coming days will be decisive. The demonstrators thus call for an all -round mobilization.
Julien R.