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FCO advise against travel to Madagascar

12th March 2009 Taken from the FCO website:

We advise against all but essential travel to Madagascar. There have been a number of demonstrations in Madagascar since 24 January 2009 as a result of tensions between the government of President Ravalomanana and opposition leader and former mayor of Antananarivo, Rajoelina. There have been violent incidents and lootings in Antananarivo and regional centres across the country, and more than 125 deaths have been reported. We strongly advise British nationals in Madagascar to avoid any political rallies, demonstrations or large gatherings and to monitor the situation in the local media. Disruption in Antananarivo continues. Road blocks and barricades have been installed around the capital. Due to the speed at which events can develop we advise all British nationals in Madagascar to remain in close contact with our Honorary Consuls and the local authorities.

A curfew is currently in effect between 22:00 and 04:00. We advise all British nationals in Madagascar to abide by this curfew.

The President and opposition leader held talks on Saturday 21 February 2009 and agreed a plan which included an end to violence. On Sunday 8 March soldiers staged a mutiny in a barracks just outside Antananarivo. The situation remains fluid and there is a continued possibility of violence.

There is no British Embassy in Madagascar, but there are Honorary British Consuls in Toamasima and Antananarivo. Madagascar is covered from the British High Commission in Port Louis. See the General (Representation) section of this advice for more details.

For further updates please visit the FCO website

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