TRAVEL ALERT - MADAGASCAR

UNCLAS STATE 007491 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC ASEC MA SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - MADAGASCAR ¶1. This Travel Alert is being issued to alert U.S. citizens of safety and security concerns in Madagascar due to demonstrations stemming from a political rift between supporters of the Mayor of the capital city of Antananarivo and the government of Madagascar. This Travel Alert urges American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Madagascar at this time, and expires on May 1, ¶2009. ¶2. For the past three weeks, Madagascar has been experiencing escalating political demonstrations including violent clashes between government forces and supporters of the Antananarivo mayor, looting, and burning of residences and businesses. To date, American citizens have not been targeted. ¶3. American citizens are, however, urged to carefully consider travel to Madagascar at this time. The political demonstrations have intensified and remain volatile. U.S. citizens already in Madagascar are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile. ¶4. 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 without much advance notice. The Embassy will nevertheless endeavor to notify American citizens of any such closures via warden message, posted at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov/warden- messages.html. ¶5. American citizens considering travel to Madagascar despite this Travel Alert 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. Please be sure to include your e-mail address and cellular phone number. ¶6. 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. ¶7. 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 available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. ¶8. Minimize considered. CLINTON