Issued by US Department of State
Mar 04, 2002
This Travel Warning is being issued in light of the deteriorating security
situation in Madagascar and the Department's authorization of the departure
of family members of Embassy staff and non-emergency Embassy personnel.
There have been isolated incidents of violence and the potential for more
violence remains. Commercial transportation to and from Madagascar is
subject to interruption without warning. Fuel supplies are depleted, and
sporadic roadblocks may delay travel. On February 28, the government of
Madagascar declared martial law in Antananarivo Province, which includes the
capital. This Travel Warning supersedes the Public Announcement issued
February 27, 2002.
The Department of State warns Americans to defer travel to Madagascar. On
March 1, 2002, the Department authorized the departure of family members of
Embassy staff and non-emergency Embassy personnel. Americans currently in
Madagascar should carefully evaluate their security situation in determining
whether to remain in the country.
The complex and difficult political situation in Madagascar following the
December 16, 2001 presidential election continues to evolve. There have
been large demonstrations, with occasional violence. The government of
Madagascar declared a national state of emergency and on February 28,
declared martial law in Antananarivo Province.
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.
Airlines servicing the country are adjusting their flight schedules in
response to changing circumstances.
There have been no reports of injuries to U.S. citizens, and demonstrations
have not been aimed at foreigners. Nonetheless, Americans should avoid the
downtown area of Antananarivo and limit their movement within the city.
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who decide to travel to or
remain in Madagascar to monitor media reports for current information.
Safety and security information may 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.
