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DE RUEHC #2074 0690250
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O 100234Z MAR 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA IMMEDIATE 7382
RUCPDOC/ALL USDOC DISTDIR COLLECTIVE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
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RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI IMMEDIATE 6040
INFO RUESBKC/ATO ASIA IMMEDIATE 1836

UNCLAS STATE 022074 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC ASEC MA
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - MADAGASCAR 
 
¶1.  The State Department warns U. S. citizens of the 
risks of traveling to Madagascar, and recommends 
deferring all but essential travel to Madagascar because 
of escalating civil unrest stemming from a political 
rift between supporters of the former mayor of the 
capital city of Antananarivo and the government of 
Madagascar.  This replaces the Madagascar Travel Alert 
of January 28, to note that the Department of State has 
authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and 
family members at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, 
recommend against non-essential travel to Madegascar, 
and update security concerns. 
 
¶2.  Since January 2009, Madagascar has been experiencing 
escalating political demonstrations including violent 
clashes between government forces and supporters of the 
former mayor of Antananarivo.  Looting, and the burning 
of residences and businesses have occurred.  While 
American citizens have not been targeted to date, the 
Department of State has authorized 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 Department of State advises 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 
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 ). 
 
¶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. 
Please be sure to include your 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 available on the 
Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at 
http://travel.state.gov. 
 
¶7. Minimize considered. 
CLINTON