Daily Archives: March 20, 2009

Ordered Departure On at US Embassy Antananarivo

March 20, 2009 By in Countries 'n Regions, Evacuations, FSOs, Realities of the FS, U.S. Missions, Updates
US Embassy, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Photo from State Department OIG

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

Ordered Departure On at US Embassy Antananarivo

March 20, 2009 By in Countries 'n Regions, Evacuations, FSOs, Realities of the FS, U.S. Missions, Updates
US Embassy, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Photo from State Department OIG

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

Officially In: J. Scott Gration, U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan

March 20, 2009 By in AF |Africa, Countries 'n Regions, Political Appointees, Special Envoys and Reps

On March 18, President Obama announces Major General Scott Gration as U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan:

Today, I am pleased to join Secretary Clinton in announcing the appointment of Major General J. Scott Gration (USAF, retired) as the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan. General Gration’s personal and professional background, and his service to the country as both a military leader and a humanitarian, give him the insights and experience necessary for this assignment.

Sudan is a priority for this Administration, particularly at a time when it cries out for peace and for justice. The worsening humanitarian crisis there makes our task all the more urgent.

I have made clear my intention to work with the international community to end the suffering. That means supporting the full, unobstructed deployment of the joint African Union/United Nations peacekeeping force and the negotiation of a political solution that will give the people of Darfur a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their future. The Government of Sudan’s disastrous decision to expel humanitarian relief organizations leaves a void that will be filled by deprivation and despair and they will be held accountable for the lives lost.

As we work to bring peace to Darfur, we will continue to work with both parties to Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement to ensure its full and complete implementation. All parties must see this through if Sudan and the surrounding region are to enjoy lasting stability.

I have worked closely and directly with General Gration for several years, and have traveled with him to refugee camps in Chad filled with those who were displaced by the genocide in Darfur. He is a valued personal friend and I am pleased he has accepted this assignment. He knows the region, has broad experience, and has my complete confidence. Standing alongside Secretary Clinton and Ambassador Rice, his appointment is a strong signal of my Administration’s commitment to support the people of Sudan while seeking a lasting settlement to the violence that has claimed so many innocent lives.

Without the need for Senate confirmation, this special envoy like Holbrooke, Mitchell, Fried, and Stern, should be off and running or flying shortly, right?

Officially In: J. Scott Gration, U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan

March 20, 2009 By in AF |Africa, Countries 'n Regions, Political Appointees, Special Envoys and Reps

On March 18, President Obama announces Major General Scott Gration as U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan:

Today, I am pleased to join Secretary Clinton in announcing the appointment of Major General J. Scott Gration (USAF, retired) as the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan. General Gration’s personal and professional background, and his service to the country as both a military leader and a humanitarian, give him the insights and experience necessary for this assignment.

Sudan is a priority for this Administration, particularly at a time when it cries out for peace and for justice. The worsening humanitarian crisis there makes our task all the more urgent.

I have made clear my intention to work with the international community to end the suffering. That means supporting the full, unobstructed deployment of the joint African Union/United Nations peacekeeping force and the negotiation of a political solution that will give the people of Darfur a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their future. The Government of Sudan’s disastrous decision to expel humanitarian relief organizations leaves a void that will be filled by deprivation and despair and they will be held accountable for the lives lost.

As we work to bring peace to Darfur, we will continue to work with both parties to Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement to ensure its full and complete implementation. All parties must see this through if Sudan and the surrounding region are to enjoy lasting stability.

I have worked closely and directly with General Gration for several years, and have traveled with him to refugee camps in Chad filled with those who were displaced by the genocide in Darfur. He is a valued personal friend and I am pleased he has accepted this assignment. He knows the region, has broad experience, and has my complete confidence. Standing alongside Secretary Clinton and Ambassador Rice, his appointment is a strong signal of my Administration’s commitment to support the people of Sudan while seeking a lasting settlement to the violence that has claimed so many innocent lives.

Without the need for Senate confirmation, this special envoy like Holbrooke, Mitchell, Fried, and Stern, should be off and running or flying shortly, right?