Madagascar 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety

Sub-Saharan Africa - Madagascar
20 Feb 2008

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Overall Crime And Safety Situation

Crime occurs in Madagascar as it does in most major cities in the world. Over the past year, Antananarivo has seen its violent crime rate increase for the first time in several years. For the first time in over ten years, the U.S. Embassy suffered a violent attack in Antananarivo against two Mission employees in the summer of 2007.

Over the past year, the U.S. Embassy has been receiving weekly reports of increased criminal activity in the Malagasy community and of expatriates living in Antananarivo who are being targeted by armed criminal elements. During instances of home invasion robberies, the criminals know the occupants of the residence or have intelligence indicating an increased amount of assets are being held within the residence, and have no problems confronting the occupants by armed force. Many of these criminal gangs are usually comprised of former felons, ex-military and police units from the former regime and they often possess weapons such as AK-47 assault rifles and pistols stolen from military armories during the political crisis of 2001/2002.

However, the vast majority of crime that does occur in Antananarivo is petty street crime. Thieves use stealth and surprise to commit crimes of opportunity such as pick pocketing and “grab and run” robberies. Petty street crime occurs during all times of the day in the city. After dark, all Americans should avoid walking the city center alone or departing from bars and night clubs on foot. Numerous attacks against foreigners have occurred late at night after departing night clubs.

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 are 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 with the most recent country-specific information sheet on Madagascar located at http://travel.state.gov.

Union Of The Comoros

The U.S. Government has no permanent presence in the Comoros. For American Citizens Services 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 the Comoros.

At the time of this writing, American citizens are urged to avoid travel to the island of Anjouan. Note that this guidance only applies to the island of Anjouan and not the other two islands of Grand Comore and Moheli. After the decision of the Comoran Union Government to postpone island elections on the island of Anjouan in the summer of 2007, the former island president of Anjouan staged his own sham election and forced federal authorities off the island establishing a de facto separation from the Union of the Comoros. Reporting, as of January 2007, indicated numerous illegal detentions and harassment of prominent citizens by the rebel president’s administration on Anjouan and island residents fleeing the island to the surrounding islands of Grand Comore and Moheli. Military intervention by Comoran federal forces or African Union forces is possible on the island of Anjouan. Americans are encouraged to check the most recent consular information sheet on the Comoros located at http://travel.state.gov.

On the islands of Grand Comore and Moheli, criminal activity is frowned upon within the Comoran culture. Criminal acts against foreigners are extremely rare and the Regional Security Officer (RSO) considers the 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.

Political Violence

In contrast to the crisis of 2001-2002, when a disputed election brought Madagascar to the brink of civil war, Madagascar over the past year has completed three successful rounds of nationwide elections without any violence or large scale protests. All three rounds of elections were viewed by the international community to be free and fair. At present, very little political violence or civil war unrest exists in Madagascar. The political process, which allows for dissent and opposing views, appears to be stable, although largely dominated by the president’s TIM Party. Although protests and demonstrations do occur frequently, they tend to be peaceful, with minimal effect on the security of citizens and visitors. However, the U.S. Embassy recommends all Americans to avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations. In the past, there have been instances of violence during demonstrations but these outbursts were not directed against Americans. Certain large gatherings such as concerts or scenes of an accident also may pose a threat to Americans.

As a general rule, due to the ongoing military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the continued threat of terrorist attacks targeting western personnel and institutions, and the 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 routine travel.

Post-Specific Concerns

Crimes of opportunity are the most common type of incidents the local authorities address in Madagascar. Street crime and other forms of petty crime exist in most countries with high poverty levels, and Madagascar is no exception. Thefts from unlocked and locked 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 who carry in their possession more money, jewelry, and electronics than the average or even well off Malagasy citizen. Therefore, street crime is the biggest threat to American visitors coming to Madagascar.

Both Madagascar and the Comoros are nations prone to seasonal cyclones (hurricanes), which can do substantial damage, particularly in the coastal areas. Typically, the cyclone season starts in early December and can last until mid-April. In 2007, Madagascar was effected by seven cyclones causing massive flooding in the coastal areas and destroying numerous homes, roads and bridges.

The island of Grande Comore is dominated by the active volcano Karthala. The threat of further volcanic activity, with potential to impact the lives and livelihoods of visitors and the local population, remains a constant and unpredictable concern.

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. Local authorities are unable to respond to alarm calls or emergency calls within a reasonable amount of time. The police are only able to respond to an incident within 15-45 minutes or longer due to a number of factors. When emergency telephone calls are initiated by residents in the city of Antananarivo, frequently the police telephones will go unanswered or the caller will receive a busy tone. If an emergency call is answered, the police will usually have to meet a resident of the household at a recognizable landmark in the neighborhood to help guide the responding police unit to the residence requesting assistance which increases the response time for an emergency call. The police also do not have a computerized emergency call system which can locate the residence of a call for police services. A third issue hampering police response is the credibility of the caller requesting services. The police must judge the credibility of the caller in order to determine if potential criminal elements are trying to send the police units off in the opposite direction before a criminal raid on a residence or business actually begins. Normally, a district police office in Antananarivo will have only one or two police cars available and functioning for any type of intervention operation.

In Madagascar, Military/Police roadblocks are common. Travelers should be at high state of alert and proceed with caution when approaching a roadblock. At these roadblocks, it is recommended that the traveler slow down (to a crawl) and be prepared to show identification. If the driver or any passengers of the vehicle are talking on a mobile telephone, they should immediately terminate the call and begin following the directions of the security forces controlling the roadblock. 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 subject 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.

Medical Emergencies

In case of a medical emergency, perform first aid and take the patient directly to the Polyclinique D’Ilafy located in Antananarivo 22-425-73/69. 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.

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 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 only during daylight hours.
-Bring sufficient funds, spare parts, etc. to take care of emergency situations.
-If possible, travel with other vehicles and/or travelers.

For Further Information

The Consular Section urges all visitors to register with the Embassy upon arrival or before the trip at www.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.usmission.mg.

OSAC Country Council

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 RSO is available to meet with representatives of U.S. businesses visiting Madagascar to answer questions about security. For more information, contact the RSO or visit http://antananarivo.osac.gov/.