Warden Message: Armed Attack in Equatorial Guinea

U.S. Embassy Libreville
February 19, 2009

The U.S. Embassy in Malabo has alerted American citizens in Equatorial Guinea that a large number of gunmen on boats initiated attacks in Malabo on February 17, 2009.  Recent reports also indicate that there has been renewed gunfire activity in the Elang Nguema area of Malabo on the afternoon of February 18 that has since been resolved.  American Citizens in Gabon or Sao Tome planning to travel to Equatorial Guinea should maintain good situational awareness, keep personal identification readily available for inspection if requested, and travel with a companion whenever possible. 

Travelers should expect increased security measures by government forces which may include additional roadblocks and unannounced identification checks. 

Travelers to Equatorial Guinea should register with the U.S. Embassy there via https://travelregistration.state.gov so that they receive the latest information on the situation in Equatorial Guinea.  The U.S. Embassy in Malabo is located at K-3, Carretera de Aeropuerto, Al lado de Restaurante El Paraíso,Malabo, Guinea Ecuatorial; Embassy tel. (240)098-895; website - http://malabo.usembassy.gov/index.html.

The Department of State maintains a website at www.travel.state.gov that includes extensive information for Americans living overseas.  In particular, the section on International Travel for U.S. Citizens has a sub-section on Tips for Traveling Abroad that may be helpful to review at this time.  The site also has information specific to Emergencies and Crises including useful checklists and information about evacuations.  That page is accessible via: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html.

The Embassy urges all American citizens in Gabon or Sao Tome and Principe to register with the Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov, or to register directly with the Embassy in person.  By registering with the Embassy, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of an emergency.  Registering will also help the Embassy to put you in touch with your local American citizen warden, who can help keep you informed of developments.

U.S. citizens may contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Libreville for further information.  The Embassy is located is located in Centre Ville on the Boulevard du Bord de Mer, and may be reached at 76.20.03/04 during business hours.  The duty officer may be reached after hours at 07.38.01.71.