Warden Messages

October 24, 2005

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Abidjan

The U.S. Embassy is issuing this Warden Message to alert American citizens to possible demonstrations and other signs of civil unrest during the coming weeks. Unrest may be triggered by dissatisfaction over the delay of national elections, originally scheduled for October 30, now postponed indefinitely.

The Embassy has no specific information at this time of any demonstrations planned, but urges U.S. citizens to stay alert and be cautious. Avoid crowded areas wherever possible. Travel during daylight hours, travel with at least one other person, and ensure that your family or work colleagues know your destination and expected time of return. Take routine precautions to ensure you have sufficient food, water and other supplies in your home to enable you to remain indoors for at least several days, if necessary.

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information of safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad at http://travel.state.gov/travel/ abroad_pub_safetrip.html.

Americans living or traveling in Cote d’Ivoire are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Cote d’Ivoire. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. Embassy Abidjan is located in the Cocody Riviera Golf section of the city. The mailing address is 01 B.P. 1712 Abidjan 01. The telephone number is (+225)22-49-40-00; after hours (+225)22-49-44-50 The U.S. Embassy website is http://abidjan.usembassy.gov/.