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Warden Message: Madagascar Coastal Violence
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Sub-Saharan Africa - Madagascar
3 May 2007

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U.S. Embassy Antananarivo issued the following Warden Message on May 3:

In recent days, unrelated demonstrations in several coastal cities in Madagascar have strengthened and expanded beyond their original base. Demonstrators in Tulear (Toliara) abducted and held a government official hostage and looted local stores, while police in Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) fired on demonstrators, wounding one. Several Malagasy citizens who are ethnically from the central highlands, a region historically at odds with the coastal areas, have departed coastal cities as a precaution. Although the demonstrations began with limited protestors protesting specific topics, the demonstrations have become more generalized and widespread.

At this time, there are no indications that American Citizens or other foreign nationals are being targeted. However, the situation remains very fluid. Currently, U.S. Embassy personnel are being encouraged to defer non-essential travel to the affected areas. The Embassy is monitoring the situation. American Citizens traveling to coastal areas of Madagascar, particularly the cities of Tamatave (Toamasina), Diego Suarez, Mahajanga (Majunga) and Tulear, are urged to carefully consider their travel to the area, and if in the area to exercise caution, avoid areas of demonstrations, and to depart as quickly as possible when in the vicinity of any demonstrations or large crowds. American Citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. 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 Embassy’s web site is located at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov .