Warden Messages
Recent Security Events in Niger
August 8, 2006
Dear Fellow Americans:
There have been two recent security incidents affecting travelers in the northern nomadic zone of Niger. On August 22, a group of European tourists was detained by armed men purporting to represent the Revolutionary Armed Forces of the Sahara (FARS), a former Toubou rebel group, near Agadem on the Chadian border, north of Lake Chad. All of the tourists were robbed and two of their vehicles were stolen. Two tourists remain with the armed group, reportedly against their will. On August 28, two inter-city buses were stopped by armed men near Aderbissinat on the road between Agadez and Zinder. The passengers were robbed and one was removed from a bus and taken away by the bandits.
American citizens residing in or traveling through the nomadic zones of eastern and central Niger should exercise caution, and notify local authorities in advance of any trips. Checking in with local Gendarmes (paramilitary police responsible for rural law enforcement) in advance of a road trip is advisable. Travel at twilight or night is not. Travel in convoy if possible.
Americans living in or traveling through Niger are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, travelregistration.state.gov and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Niger. Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy to make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
The U.S. Embassy is located in the Rue des Ambassades, mailing address B.P. 11201; telephone numbers (227) 20-72-26-61, 20-72-26-62, 20-72-26-63, 20-72-26-64; and fax number (227) 20-73-31-67. The Embassy's operating hours are Monday through Thursday 8 AM to 5:30 PM; Fridays 8 AM to 1 PM. For after-hours emergencies call (227) 20-72-31-41. The Embassy's internet address is Niamey.usembassy.gov .
Cordially,
Zach Harkenrider
Acting Consular Officer
U.S. Embassy
Niamey, Niger