AFRICA
Somalia - Travel Warning, December 21, 1999-- The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia. Interclan and interfactional fighting can flare up with little warning, and kidnapping, murder and other threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners can occur unpredictably in many regions. There is no national government in Somalia to offer general security or police protection for travelers. While parts of the north are relatively peaceful, including much of the self-declared "Republic of Somaliland," there is no U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia to provide up-to-date security assessments or consular assistance to U.S. citizens.
U.S. citizens are urged to use caution when sailing near the coast of Somalia. Merchant vessels, fishing boats and pleasure craft alike risk seizure and their crew being held for ransom, especially in the waters near the Horn of Africa and near the Kenyan border.
Cote d'Ivoire, December 27, 1999-- The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Cote d'Ivoire. A coup d'etat, which began on December 23, forced the ouster of the democratically-elected government. The crime threat is serious, and the potential for extortion from rogue elements of the military remains. The occurrence of more civil unrest cannot be ruled out. As the new regime takes measures to re-establish law and order, Americans in Cote d'Ivoire have been cautioned to remain close to home. Travel at night is discouraged. The airport has re-opened. U.S. citizens who travel to Cote d'Ivoire despite this Travel Warning are urged to contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan at (225) 21-09-79 upon arrival to register and obtain updated information on travel and security.
Namibia, January 6, 2000-- The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the Okavango and Caprivi regions of northern Namibia, inlcuding the Trans-Caprivi Highway, due to the uncertain security situation. Events along the border with Angola may adversely affect the peace and security of the region. The armed forces of the Government of Angola recently launched a military campaign against rebel elements of the Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA). This fighting has spilled over into Namibia. There also are credible reports of Angolan forces shelling UNITA targets from within Namibia and UNITA retaliatory fire and raids into Namibia, as well as anti-personnel mines, discovered on major roads. Foreign tourists have been attacked and killed by men in military uniform on the Trans-Caprivi Highway between Rundu and Katima Mulilo. Also, there have been increasing numbers of roadblocks in the regions by Namibian security forces looking for UNITA rebels. Americans in these areas are urged to depart the region.
Dakar-Cairo Road Rally, January 10, 2000-- The Department of State has received reports of terrorist threats that prompt concern about the safety and security of the official and private American community overseas. We take this information seriously.
The annual Paris-Dakar-Cairo road rally commenced in Dakar, Senegal on January 6 and ends on January 24, 2000 in Cairo, Egypt. The course passes through the six countries of Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Egypt. The U.S. Government believes that terrorists may be planning to conduct attacks somewhere along the rally route.
We have no further information on specific targets or method of attacks. U.S. citizens in the region are urged to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.
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