Madagascar Public Announcement
Issued by US Department of State
Feb 27, 2002
This Public Announcement provides updated information on the security situation in Madagascar due to the recent declaration of a state of emergency there. There have been isolated incidents of violence and the potential for more violence remains. This Public Announcement supersedes the one issued for Madagascar on February 8, 2002, and it will expire on May 31, 2002.
The complex and difficult political situation in Madagascar following the December 16, 2001 presidential election continues to evolve. On Friday, February 22, opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana proclaimed himself president following approximately two months of political rallies and strikes. The government has responded to this action by declaring a national state of emergency. Scheduled to last three months, the Malagasy government has yet to fully implement this declaration that could limit the movement of people, information and goods. The current situation remains fluid as both sides jockey for political position. Demonstrations supporting Mr. Ravalomanana continue in the country's capital, Antananarivo, as well as other smaller provincial cities and towns.
Supporters of the two leading presidential candidates have established roadblocks on most major routes into Antananarivo and in many locations throughout the city. The primary roads from the country's two principal seaports to the capital have been blocked to all vehicular traffic for three weeks, causing shortages of fuel and other goods in Antananarivo. Localized curfews for some towns have been reported. Travel around the countryside can be difficult, and international flight service has been disrupted. Travelers should consult with their travel agency and or airline prior to embarking on a flight to/from Madagascar, as airlines servicing the country have changed their flight schedules at the last moment.
There have been no reports of injuries to U.S. citizens, and demonstrations have not been aimed at foreign visitors or residents. Nonetheless, Americans should avoid the downtown area of Antananarivo and limit their movement within the city.
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Madagascar to monitor media reports for current information. Safety and security information may also be obtained by contacting the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo on tel. 261-20-22-212-57.
For further information concerning travel to Madagascar, travelers should consult the Department of State Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, which includes the latest Consular Information Sheet for Madagascar.
