AFRICA
Liberia,
October 11, 2000 – The U.S. Department of State warns Americans
against travel to Liberia due to the unstable security situation throughout
the country. In addition, the U.S. Government has imposed visa sanctions
which will preclude issuance of visas and entry into the United States
of government of Liberia officials and their family members. It is possible
that this action will generate anti-American sentiment in Liberia. In
light of the above, the Department has ordered the departure from Liberia
of U.S. Embassy personnel in non-emergency positions. Private Americans
in Liberia are urged to consider departing the country. While commercial
means are presently available, they may be subject to suspension without
notice. U.S. citizens should be aware that the ability of the U.S. Embassy
to provide direct assistance to U.S. citizens outside of the Monrovia
area is severely limited. U.S. citizens should be cautious of their surroundings
at all times. The presence of many ill-trained and armed government security
personnel continues to constitute a potential danger. The northwestern
part of the country is unsettled as rebel activity in Sierra Leone and
Guinea continues to affect stability along the Sierra Leone-Guinea-Liberia
border areas. Travel anywhere in Liberia after dark is discouraged.
Côte
d'Ivoire, October 5, 2000 – The U.S. Department of State urges
U.S. citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Côte d'Ivoire
at this time. Following a coup d'etat in December 1999, Côte d'Ivoire
has undergone a period of extended political uncertainty. The Supreme
Court of Côte d'Ivoire is expected to announce momentarily the eligible
candidates for the presidential election scheduled for October 22, 2000.
The potential for violent demonstrations in reaction to this announcement
is considerable and may continue up to and following the election. In
connection with the Supreme Court announcement, the Government of Côte
d'Ivoire has declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew throughout
the country. During the state of emergency, Americans should strictly
respect any curfews and limit travel within the country even during non-curfew
hours. The Embassy advises that residents of Abidjan should restrict their
travel to within the city limits and that residents in other parts of
the country should stay near home. U.S. citizens should use common sense
to avoid situations and locations that could be dangerous. Please consult
the State Department's latest Consular
Information Sheet for Côte d'Ivoire.
Tanzania,
October 5, 2000 – Tanzania will hold national elections October
29, 2000. The potential exists for election-related political unrest on
Zanzibar Island and Pemba Island, collectively known as Zanzibar. Americans
are advised to limit their travel to Zanzibar Island and to avoid travel
to Pemba Island during the period leading up to and immediately following
the elections. U.S. citizens remaining in Zanzibar during this period
are urged to maintain a high level of security vigilance and to avoid
political rallies, demonstrations and any large public gatherings. Americans
should avoid travelling alone and should carry their passports at all
times. On election day, Americans in Zanzibar should exercise particular
caution, maintain a low profile, remain near secure tourist establishments
such as major hotels, and avoid wandering through public areas—especially
polling places.
Guinea,
September 13, 2000 – The region of Guinea bordering Sierra Leone
and Liberia has experienced renewed cross-border incursions and kidnappings
by armed factions. As a result of rising tension in the region, U.S. Government
and U.S. Government-affiliated personnel located within 63 miles (100
kilometers) of Guinea's border with Sierra Leone and Liberia have been
recalled to Conakry. The U.S. Department of State urges Americans residing
in or visiting Guinea to leave the area between the Conakry-Mamou-Faranah-Macenta
Road and the border until the situation returns to normal.
Angola,
September 8, 2000 – The U.S. Department of State warns Americans
against travel to Angola because of continued military conflict in interior
provinces and increased violent criminal activity, including kidnapping
and the threat by criminals and rebel insurgents to kidnap foreigners.
Travel within Angola remains unsafe due to high intensity military actions,
bandit and insurgent attacks, undisciplined police and military personnel,
and land mines in rural areas. Foreign nationals, especially independent
entrepreneurs, are subject to arbitrary detention and/or deportation by
immigration and police authorities. Travel outside Luanda is inadvisable.
Sierra
Leone, August 4, 2000 – The U.S. Department of State warns Americans
against travel to Sierra Leone. Although the security situation in Freetown
has improved somewhat, travel outside the capital is still very dangerous
due to rebel military groups that have not been disarmed or demobilized.
The Department has terminated the ordered departure status of U.S. Government
personnel in non-emergency positions. However, because of the security
situation, family members are prohibited from accompanying U.S. Government
employees assigned to Sierra Leone. The U.S. Embassy in Freetown currently
operates with a reduced staff. Only emergency consular services to U.S.
citizens are available, and the Embassy's ability to provide these services
is limited. Americans in Sierra Leone should review their own personal
security situations in determining whether to remain in the country.
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