Taxi drivers in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, began a strike on Tuesday, June 24th, protesting an increase in what they consider abusive roadside checks. The striking drivers, operating the city’s ubiquitous “taxi-be” minibuses – a primary mode of transport for hundreds of thousands – converged on City Hall. Authorities deployed security measures to prevent the drivers from entering the building. The strike is causing significant disruption to transportation within the capital city. This action occurs just days before the nation’s Independence Day celebrations. The drivers express anger over the increased controls, which they believe are unwarranted and excessive. The ongoing strike threatens to further paralyze Antananarivo if a resolution isn’t reached quickly.