The American Embassy in Madagascar went on authorized departure on March 11. On March 18, it went on ordered departure.
Authorized Departure is initiated when the safety and/or security situation in a particular location has deteriorated significantly, and allows families and non-essential staff to depart on a voluntary basis.
Ordered Departure is initiated in extraordinary circumstances when the embassy or consulate is no longer confident of the security of its personnel and families. Implementation of this status mandates the departure of all non-emergency mission staff and employees.
The US Embassy Antananarivo Warden Message dated March 18 is here.
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Meanwhile the DipNote folks have been busy with Twitter updates:
@lrakoto @haritia There were no specific threats to Americans and the U.S. Embassy in #Madagascar remains open and in operation.
about 21 hours ago from TweetDeck
@lrakoto @haritia U.S. Embassy in #Madagascar was drawn down to emergency staffing levels as a precaution in a tense situation.
about 21 hours ago from TweetDeck
RT @usembassylondon: Reports that President Ravalomanana of Madagascar is seeking sanctuary at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo are FALSE.
8:30 AM Mar 17th from TweetDeck
U.S. continues to call upon all parties to exercise restraint following the resignation of President Ravalomanana of #Madagascar.
8:07 AM Mar 17th from TweetDeck
President Ravalomanana has made no such request and is not in the US Embassy.
7:46 AM Mar 17th from TweetDeck
We are aware of media reports that President Ravalomanana of Madagascar is seeking sanctuary at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo.
7:46 AM Mar 17th from TweetDeck
Related Post:
Authorized Departure On for US Embassy Antananarivo
Update 3/20 10:56 PM:
The Office of the Spokesman today released a statement of US condemnation of the coup d'etat in Madagascar and suspends non-humanitarian assistance. Full statement here.
