Condemning the illegal extraction of Madagascar's natural resources.

Condemns the March 2009 coup d'etat in Madagascar and supports the people of Madagascar in undertaking a democratic, consensual process to restore constitutional governance.

Commends the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community for taking strong action against anti-democratic forces in Madagascar.

Condemns the illegal extraction of Madagascar's natural resources and its impact on biodiversity and rural livelihoods, including illegal logging, smuggling of wild species, and illegal mining.

Calls upon: (1) importing countries to intensify their inspection processes to ensure that they do not contribute to the demand for illegally sourced precious woods from Madagascar; and (2) consumers of rosewood and ebony products to check their origin and boycott those made of Malagasy wood until constitutional order is restored.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov