VZCZCXRO9880
PP RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHAN #1423/01 3541209
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 201209Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY ANTANANARIVO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4066
INFO RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY
RUEHPL/AMEMBASSY PORT LOUIS 0276

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: 
--------------------------------------- 
 
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 
 
----------------------- 
COMOROS 
----------------------- 
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 
 
----------------------- 
¶2. POLITICAL VIOLENCE: 
----------------------- 
 
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. 
 
--------------------------- 
¶3. POST-SPECIFIC CONCERNS: 
--------------------------- 
 
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 
 
ANTANANARI 00001423  002 OF 003 
 
 
American visitors coming to Madagascar.  Madagascar is prone to 
seasonal cyclones (hurricanes), which can do substantial damage, 
particularly in coastal areas. 
 
-------------------- 
¶4. POLICE RESPONSE: 
-------------------- 
 
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. 
 
----------------------- 
¶5. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: 
----------------------- 
 
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. 
 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
¶6. TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF CRIME: 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
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 
 
ANTANANARI 00001423  003 OF 003 
 
 
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. 
 
--------------------------- 
¶7. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: 
--------------------------- 
 
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