An arrest took place at the death of an American diplomat found dead at his home, the US State Department announced.

The department issued little information out of respect for the victim's family, who apparently died Friday night in the capital of Antananarivo.

"Our deepest condolences go to the family and community of the US Embassy in Antananarivo," the State Department said in a statement Monday. "Diplomatic security is working with Malagasy local authorities in a joint investigation and a suspect is currently in detention".

Police spokeswoman Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona told Agence France-Presse that the police, responding to calls from neighbors and private security guards, had found the victim, who had been declared dead at the scene.

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A man was arrested after being "caught jumping over the perimeter fence fleeing the house," police said. The investigation was continuing.

Madagascar is an island nation of 25 million inhabitants off the coast of Mozambique in East Africa. The country is home to deep rainforests and vast beaches, but economic problems abound. The list of the world's poorest countries published by the International Monetary Fund in 2018 ranks Madagascar eighth, with an annual gross domestic product per capita of only 479 dollars.

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