On August 1, 2024, police fired tear gas to disperse École Supérieure Polytechnique d’Antananarivo (ESPA) student protesters. Multiple students and police were injured, including one student who sustained an eye injury.

On July 31, ESPA students launched a peaceful demonstration against the delay of scholarship payments on July 31. On August 1, ESPA students began using more disruptive means of protest, including using burning tires to block access to campus, engaging in acts of vandalism, and throwing stones at police who arrived to intervene. Police then used tear gas and, reportedly, stun grenades to disperse protesters. Several students and police were injured, including one student who sustained an injury to their eye. According to the president of the ESPA student association, a stun grenade used by police caused the eye injury. Police disputed the claim, stating that the injury was caused by projectiles thrown by local traders frustrated with the disruption. 

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/202408020156.html 
https://newsmada.com/2024/07/31/vontovorona-violents-affrontements-entre-etudiants-et-forces-de-lordre/