A suspect arrested by an American diplomat in Africa

Authorities have arrested a suspect after finding an American diplomat in Madagascar dead at his home Friday night, the state department confirmed Tuesday.

Both US and Malagasy authorities are conducting death investigations in Antananarivo, the capital of the African country, state department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

"Our deepest condolences go to the family and community of the US Embassy in Antananarivo," she added.

The State Department refused to disclose the name of the diplomat or discuss the details of the death, citing the ongoing investigation and respect of the diplomat's family.

Police arrested a suspect "caught trying to jump the perimeter fence fleeing the house" after what could be an attack, said Antananarivo's police spokesman, Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona , at the AFP agency.

Although it is experiencing particularly high levels of violence, Madagascar, an island located on the southeastern coast of Africa, is one of the poorest countries in the world.

"Driven by poverty and declining employment trends, the entire country has seen a dramatic increase in the number of crimes, as well as their seriousness and type, including armed attacks, robberies and robberies. and the aggressions ". written in July 2018.

He ranks Madagascar as a level 2 travel tip and recommends that people "be extra careful" when they visit the country.

"More serious crimes, including home invasions, are not uncommon," said the travel office, as US staff are now banned from using minibuses because of the high risk of robbery and hijacking.