The sources of tension are multiplying in public universities. Monday morning, student demonstrations were observed in Mahajanga, Fianarantsoa and Toamasina. Once again, these strikes are aimed at demanding the payment of scholarships and equipment allowances. These claims join those of students at the University of Antananarivo a few weeks ago.
For the University of Mahajanga, the demands revolve around the payment of the equipment allowance and scholarships that they have not received since the start of the academic year in November, the rehabilitation of infrastructure as well as the installation of internet, more precisely wifi, at the university. They thus issue a 72-hour ultimatum to the authorities to publish the payment schedule for their scholarships. Otherwise, they plan to step up their movement.
In Fianarantsoa, the police intervened during the student demonstration. They arrested a student but the latter was released the same day, confirms the national gendarmerie of Fianarantsoa. The causes of the intervention remain unclear, especially since the gendarmerie claims that there was no material damage or injury during the demonstration. Students contacted by telephone claimed that it was a form of intimidation on the part of the police, to prevent them from demonstrating.
For the moment, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has not yet decided on the possible payment of these arrears.
For the University of Antananarivo, in a press release dated March 28, there would have been a concern about the list of beneficiaries for the year 2022-2023. The list therefore requires corrections.