ANNUAL OSAC CRIME/SAFETY REPORT FOR MADAGASCAR/COMOROS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ANTANANARIVO 001423

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, AF/E, DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/DSS/ITA CA/OCS/ACS/AF

INFO POSTS FOR RSO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KSAC MA
SUBJECT: ANNUAL OSAC CRIME/SAFETY REPORT FOR MADAGASCAR/COMOROS

REF: STATE 199547

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1. OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY SITUATION:
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Crime occurs in Madagascar as it does in most major cities in the
world. However, despite the continued impoverished economy
Antananarivo has seen a decrease in violent crimes. Moreover, the
recent successful Presidential election has contributed to the
reduction in crime across the board. Criminal gangs comprised of
former felons, ex-military and police do exist, but have been kept
under control by aggressive law enforcement efforts. Many criminals
possess weapons such as Ak-47 assault rifles and pistols stolen from
military armories during the political crisis in 2001/2002.

The vast majority of crime that now occurs in Antananarivo is petty
street crime. Thieves use stealth and surprise to commit crimes of
opportunity such as pick pocketing and "grab and run".

The last incident involving a violent crime against a member of the
U.S. Embassy community took place in 1997.
Americans visiting Madagascar should not expect to experience any
hostility or aggression because of their citizenship. In fact, with
the current government, the atmosphere for Americans is welcoming
and receptive. There have been no visible signs of anti-Americanism
displayed by the press or the government of Madagascar. Americans
who visit Madagascar are encouraged to register with the Consular
Section located at the Embassy and to check the most recent consular
information sheet on Madagascar located at http://travel.state.gov

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COMOROS
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The U.S. Government has no permanent presence in Comoros. For
American Citizens Services (AMCIT) the Consular Officer can be
contacted at the American Embassy in Antananarivo at 261 (20) 22 212

57. American citizens who visit Comoros are encouraged to register
with the Consular section in Antananarivo. Registration can be done
online at http://travel.state.gov and travelers can also review the
Consular information sheet on Comoros.

Criminal activity is frowned upon within Comoran culture. Criminal
acts against foreigners are extremely rare and the Regional Security
Officer (RSO) considers Comoros to be an extremely safe community.
However, if you are a victim of a crime you are advised not to
resist, to remain calm, and to report the incident as soon as
possible to the RSO, cell phone: (261) 33-11-392-03 or the Consular
Officer

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2. POLITICAL VIOLENCE:
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Putting aside its past of political instability, Madagascar
successfully and peacefully completed its 2006 presidential
election. The country is currently waiting for the High
Constitutional Court to verify that incumbent Marc Ravalomanana has
been re-elected, in what is viewed by the international community as
a free and fair election. At present, very little political violence
or civil unrest exists in Madagascar. The political process, which
allows for dissent and opposing views, appears to be stable.
Although protests and demonstrations do occur infrequently, they
tend to be peaceful, with minimal effect on the security of citizens
or visitors.

Due to the ongoing military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq,
recent attacks in Saudi Arabia, and past terrorist attacks in the
United States, Americans overseas are encouraged to remain vigilant
to their surroundings and to exercise caution. Americans should
avoid large crowds and gatherings, keep a low profile, and vary
routes and times of all required travel.

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3. POST-SPECIFIC CONCERNS:
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Crimes of opportunity are the most common type of incidents the
local police deal with. Street crime and other forms of petty crime
exist in most countries with high poverty levels, and Madagascar is
no exception. Thefts from unlocked vehicles, pick pocketing, and
similar crimes are the most frequently reported incidents involving
westerners. American citizens as well as other foreign visitors
routinely report petty crime to their Embassies in Antananarivo.
Nearly all foreigners stand out among the local population and, in
so doing, are readily identifiable as potential targets of
opportunity. Therefore, street crime is the biggest threat to

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American visitors coming to Madagascar. Madagascar is prone to
seasonal cyclones (hurricanes),which can do substantial damage,
particularly in coastal areas.

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4. POLICE RESPONSE:
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Two organizations are charged with maintaining peace and security in
Madagascar, and are responsible for upholding its laws. The primary
organization responsible for areas of Madagascar outside of the
major cities is the Gendarmerie. The organization responsible for
Antananarivo and other cities in Madagascar is the National Police.
The U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo maintains excellent relations with
both organizations.

Because Madagascar is a developing country, with the majority of the
population living in extreme poverty, resources available to the
local police services are very limited. Associated with this, police
responsiveness to citizens and visitors can be considered limited
and sometimes ineffective. Response to crime scenes can be slow to
non-existent for average citizens. However, many members of the
National Police and Gendarmerie are capable and professional.

In Madagascar, Military/Police roadblocks are common. At these
roadblocks, it is recommended that the traveler slow down (to a
crawl) and be prepared to show identification. If the
police/military personnel indicate that they want you to stop, then
do so. Keep your windows rolled up, but show your identification.
If you find yourself the recipient of excessive attention,
detention, or harassment, to include the payment of impromptu
"tolls", contact the Embassy as soon as possible.

During an emergency, visitors to Antananarivo can contact local
police at telephone numbers 117 and 22-227-35 or
030-23-801-40/813-00 (cellular). Visitors can also contact the U.S.
Embassy in Antananarivo, at telephone number 22-212-57 if assistance
is needed in communicating with law enforcement officials.

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5. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES:
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In case of a medical emergency, perform first aid and take the
patient directly to the Clinique des Soeurs located in Antananarivo
(22-235-54, 22-790-94/95). Ambulance service in Antananarivo can be
obtained through Espace Medical/Ambulance at 22-625-66,
032-07-822-74 or Polyclinique D Ilafy at 22-425-73/69 or
033-11-458-48. The Embassy recommends that all visitors have medical
evacuation insurance before arrival in Madagascar. Several air
ambulance companies operate out of Antananarivo. A list can be
provided by contacting the Embassy receptionist at 22-212-57. The
receptionist can also provide a list of doctors, dentists,
hospitals, pharmacies, and veterinarians.

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6. TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF CRIME:
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The Embassy Security Office recommends that visitors to Madagascar
take the following safety/security precautions during their travels
in Madagascar:

-Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded streets. If
you feel you have been targeted for criminal assault, move into the
nearest safe haven i.e., police station, restaurant, hotel, etc.

-Carry only a minimum of valuables. If possible, leave your
valuables in a hotel safe deposit box or similar secure container.
If watches and/or jewelry must be carried, store them in concealed
or protected containers during your transit period.

-When driving or riding in a vehicle, always keep your doors locked
and the windows rolled up in order to avoid "snatch and run"
crimes.

-Be cautious when purchasing from street vendors. Certain items such
as Aepyornis (a large extinct bird) eggs, gemstones, and gold are
controlled exports and can create problems upon your departure.

-If establishing a business or residential presence, consider
employing a private security service. There are several reputable
security firms in Antananarivo. Recommendations can be obtained from
the Embassy security office.

Because of Madagascar's poor infrastructure, sub-standard road
maintenance and lighting, inadequate communications, and lack of

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repair facilities, travelers venturing outside Antananarivo should
adhere to the following:

-Use a reputable guide or tour company to assist in your travel.

-Provide an itinerary and route of travel (i.e., time/date/place of
arrival) to a trusted associate or representative.

-Travel with some type of two-way communication device such as a
cellular or satellite telephone.

-Travel during daylight hours.

-Bring sufficient funds, spare parts, etc. to take care of emergency
situations.

-If possible, travel with other vehicles and/or travelers.

-If possible avoid travel at night outside of urban areas.

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7. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
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The Consular Section urges all visitors to register with the Embassy
upon arrival or before the trip at travel.state.gov. The Embassy is
located in downtown Antananarivo at 14-16 rue Rainitovo,
Antsahavola, BP 620, telephone 261-20-22-212-57 or 22-207-18. The
Consular Section, Commercial Officer, and Regional Security Officer
(RSO) are all located at the Embassy and can be reached at the above
numbers. The web site for the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar is:
www.Antananarivo.usembassy.gov

There is no established American Chamber of Commerce in Madagascar.
However, an Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) does exist.
OSAC is designed to assist the American private sector with its
security and information needs overseas. The Regional Security
Officer is available to meet with representatives of U.S. businesses
visiting Madagascar to answer questions about security.

MCGEE