TRAVEL WARNING - MADAGASCAR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 025584

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC MA
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - MADAGASCAR


1. This Travel Warning replaces the Madagascar Travel
Warning of March 12, 2009. The State Department warns
U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Madagascar,
and recommends against travel to Madagascar because of
escalating civil unrest. The Department of State has
ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and all
family members.


2. Since January 2009, Madagascar has been experiencing
escalating political demonstrations including violent
clashes. While the immediate causes of the political
crisis in Madagascar are between government supporters
and supporters of the former mayor of Antananarivo,
there have been regular demonstrations and clashes with
security forces in most provincial capitals and other
population centers around the country. Residences and
businesses have been looted and burned. While American
citizens have not been targeted to date, the Department
of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency
personnel and family members at the U.S. Embassy in
Antananarivo due to the ongoing unrest and security
concerns. The Peace Corps Director has approved an
evacuation and temporary suspension of the Peace Corps
program in Madagascar. The Department of State warns
U.S. citizens against non-essential travel to Madagascar
at this time. American citizens already in Madagascar
should carefully consider the dangers of remaining.
Those who do choose to remain despite this warning
should continue to maintain a high level of vigilance
and a low profile.


3. The Department of State urges American citizens to
take responsibility for their own personal security
while traveling overseas, to review emergency procedures
and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their
surroundings at all times. American citizens in
Madagascar should ensure they have enough water, food,
and supplies in stock in the event of an emergency. The
dynamic political situation may require the U.S. Embassy
in Madagascar to close for safety and security reasons
with little advance notice. The Embassy nevertheless
will endeavor to notify American citizens of any such
closures via warden message, posted at
http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov/warden-
messages.html .


4. American citizens in Madagascar are urged to
register with the Department of State or the U.S.
Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, through the State
Department's travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering,
American citizens make it easier for the Embassy in
Antananarivo to contact them in case of emergency.
Registrants are asked to provide e-mail address and
cellular phone number.


5. The Embassy is located at 14-16 Rue Rainitovo,
Antsahavola, Antananarivo. The mailing address is B.P.
620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo, Madagascar; telephone
[261] (20) 22-212-57 during regular business hours and
for after-hours emergencies; fax [261] (20) 22-345-39.
The Consular Section e-mail address is
antanwarden@state.gov. The Embassy's web site is
located at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov .


6. Updated information on travel and security in
Madagascar may be obtained from the Department of State
by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States
and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and
Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For
further information, please consult the Country Specific
Information for Madagascar and the Worldwide Caution

STATE 00025584 002 OF 002


available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet
website at http://travel.state.gov.


7. Minimize considered.
CLINTON