Warden Messages and Special Announcements
Update on U.S.Embassy Travel Restrictions (16 July, 2008)
This warden message is being issued to remind U.S. citizens in Niger that the U.S Embassy in Niamey on May 17, 2007, prohibited all U.S. Embassy personnel from traveling north of the city of Abalack - to include areas in and around the cities of Agadez, Iferouane and Arlit, and that this prohibition is still in place. The U.S. Embassy in Niamey continues to strongly urge U.S. citizens refrain from all travel to this region.
Over the last several weeks there has been an escalation of violence in northern Niger. The Movement of Nigeriens for Justice (MNJ) has claimed that it attacked Agadez around 6:30 the evening of July 10. It claims the attack is a prelude for an offensive, and warns civilians to stay away from military and government facilities in the interior of the country. On June 22 four French workers at a uranium mine were kidnapped near Arlit. Sporadic incidents of banditry, the detonation of landmines, and other security concerns also continue to occur in this area.
American citizens may contact the Consular Section of the US Embassy in Niamey for more information. The Consular Section, located on the Rue des Ambassades in Niamey, is open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 5:30pm, and on Fridays from 8am to 1pm. Telephone: 20-72-26-61/62/63/64; e-mail: ConsulateNiamey@state.gov. For after-hours emergencies, please dial 20-72-31-41.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution and country specific information for Niger can be found.