- On April 21, 2018, opposition MPs, denying the electoral laws adopted by the National Assembly – of which they are a part – and the Senate, and even though the High Constitutional Court has not yet decided on the constitutionality of these laws, called for a coup d’état on the “13 May 1972 square” in front of the Antananarivo City Hall. As soon as they gathered in this square, they demanded the resignation of the President of the Republic Hery Rajaonarimampianina.
- The crowd, manipulated, paid the full price. This sad day has claimed two lives and seventeen people among the demonstrators and the police were wounded. The leaders of the movement, despite the calls for reason and appeasement persist in their unconstitutional approach.
- On April 22, 2018, the President of the Republic of Madagascar, in a declaration to the Nation, had:
- extended his condolences to the families of the victims and his wish for a quick recovery to the wounded, civilians and members of the police force;
- urged the Malagasy people to keep calm,
- condemned the attempt to seize power by the unconstitutional way fomented by these opposition MPs
- severely warned those who would be tempted to stir up trouble, those who would incite hatred among the Malagasy population, those who want to shed blood and sow death ; pointing out that the State will take its responsibilities;
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Madagascar invites the international community to encourage and support the actions of the Government and the President of the Republic of Madagascar to consolidate stability and protect the constitutional order ; recalling that :
- Madagascar is a State governed by the rule of law,
- Madagascar no longer needs to reiterate the political crises that in the past have systematically ruined any endeavor to development;
- Madagascar needs all its friends to defend democracy in accordance with the Constitution and the regular functioning of the Institutions;
- Madagascar refuses all that is libertarian, prejudicial to freedom. Freedom of expression and demonstrating do not mean “being vested” to seize power by taking to the street! ;