AFRICA

Somalia, February 16, 2001 – The U.S. Department of State warns Americans 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. While parts of the north have been relatively peaceful, including much of the self-declared "Republic of Somaliland," there have been several recent attacks on westerners and others in Somaliland. U.S. Government visitors to that region are temporarily restricted from traveling outside the town of Hargeysa. American 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. There is no U.S. Embassy or other diplomatic presence in Somalia to provide up-to-date security assessments or consular assistance to U.S. citizens. For information on Registration/Embassy location, please consult the Department's latest Consular Information Sheet.

Democratic Republic of the Congo, January 21, 2001 – The U.S. Department of State reiterates its long-standing warning to American citizens against travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in light of the uncertain security situation and, in particular, the death of President Laurent Desire Kabila. As a precautionary measure, the Department has authorized the departure of family members of U.S. Government personnel and personnel in non-emergency positions from the DRC. The Embassy will remain open for emergency services to American citizens. In light of these events, private Americans living in the DRC should once again review their personal security situations and take those precautions they deem necessary, including departing the country. DRC government-imposed curfews are often in effect and may be imposed or lifted with minimal warning. U.S. citizens in the DRC should check locally to confirm current curfew status and times. U.S. Citizens who travel to the DRC in spite of this warning should adhere to any curfew in place to reduce the possibility of questioning and detention by military authorities and police. Security personnel have been known to enforce DRC government-imposed curfews with gunfire. The U.S. Embassy has also imposed a curfew on U.S. Government employees. U.S. Citizens can check with the Embassy in Kinshasa to confirm status and times. The U.S. Embassy is located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, tel. 243-88-43608. The Consular Section of the Embassy may also be reached at 243-88-43608, extension 2164/2376 or 243-88-46859 or 44609. U.S. Citizens, English-speaking individuals of other nationalities and travelers who appear to be members of military or missionary groups have sometimes been specifically targeted for arrest, detention, deportation, increased scrutiny and difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry, or other forms of harassment. Travelers entering the DRC with visas and/or entry/exit stamps from Uganda, Rwanda or Burundi may experience difficulties at the airport or other ports of entry, including being detained for questioning or refused entry into the country. Anyone who wishes to travel outside of Kinshasa must obtain advance written permission from the Ministry of the Interior. Extremist groups continue to make threats of violence against U.S. Citizens and interests in the Great Lakes region. While operating out of northeastern DRC in March 1999, a rebel group specifically targeted and killed U.S. Citizens and other English-speaking people in southwestern Uganda. Unofficial armed groups operate in parts of the country, and are responsible for pillaging, vehicle thefts, carjackings, extra judicial settling of differences, ethnic tensions, and continued military/paramilitary operations. Travelers run the risk of attack or detention. Travelers should avoid any area where demonstrations are occurring or where crowds have gathered. Minor-aged family members are presently prohibited from accompanying U.S. Government employees assigned to Kinshasa. Consular access to arrested/detained U.S. Citizens cannot be guaranteed. Ferry services between Kinshasa and Brazzaville remain sporadic. For further information on travel to the DRC, please consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Tanzania, January 18, 2001 – Zanzibar, including Pemba Island, remains tense following elections in October 2000. In addition to a series of isolated explosions in Zanzibar following the elections, a group calling itself the "Freedom Fighters of Tanzania" issued a statement, printed in a weekly Zanzibar newspaper on January 11, threatening violence against the embassies of the United States and other western countries, and calling for the kidnapping of citizens of those countries. While the U.S. Government does not have any additional information at this time regarding this group, the group's statement is cause for concern. U.S. Citizens traveling to Zanzibar are strongly urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take the appropriate steps to reduce their vulnerability. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and avoid political rallies and demonstrations. For further information on travel to Tanzania, contact the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam and consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet.

Mali, January 5, 2001 – The U.S. Department of State urges American citizens visiting or residing in Mali to avoid all nonessential road travel in the region surrounding Timbuktu, Gao, and Kidal until further notice due to increased criminal activity by armed groups in northern Mali. In the last month, groups of foreign travelers have been robbed in this area and, in one incident, the bandits asked the victims if there were any Americans in their group. The robbers seem particularly interested in stealing vehicles. For further information on travel to Mali, please consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Mali.

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