U.S. Embassy, Antananarivo
Warden Message (27 March 2008)
Situation Update in Comoros

This Warden Message updates the Warden Message issued March 25th. The authorities of the Union of Comoros are now in control of the island of Anjouan. There are media reports that former president Mohamed Bacar has fled to the French island of Mayotte and has applied for asylum to France. Air and sea links between Anjouan and the other Comoran islands remain severed. Staff members of the American Embassy in Madagascar are on the ground in Moroni on the island of Grand Comore and are reporting street demonstrations directed at the French Embassy in anger over Bacar’s presence in Mayotte. Embassy Madagascar has also received reports of threats made against other westerners in Moroni.

The conditions in Anjouan remain unstable and unpredictable. Accordingly, travel to Anjouan is strongly discouraged. Travel to the other Comoran islands, including Grand Comore, should also be deferred due to continued uncertainty about the fallout from the action on Anjouan. While the military action is an internal matter and the anger of demonstrators appears to be directed at the French, the possibility exists that American citizens could become caught up in events. Demonstrators have shown little ability to differentiate the French from other westerners.

The U.S. Department of State, therefore, recommends U.S. citizens in the Comoros evaluate their personal security situation in light of this situation and avoid the areas of demonstrations. We note 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, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health information resources 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. and Canada, 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.

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