WARDEN MESSAGE: Gabonese Presidential Election Protest (August 7, 2009)

U.S. EMBASSY LIBREVILLE
August 7, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens that a protest by supporters of several presidential candidates took place today in the Rio area.  The protestors did not apply for or receive government permission for the action.  Several opposition leaders attempted to lead the protest to the Bord de Mer, but the crowd was dispersed by police as of 1400. 
U.S. citizens are strongly advised to avoid the Rio, Nzeng-ayong and Cite de la Democratie areas for the remainder of today.  Other demonstrations could develop without warning. 

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.

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

U.S. citizens may contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Libreville for further information.  The Embassy is located in Centre Ville on the Boulevard du Bord de Mer, and may be reached at 76.20.03/04 during business hours.  In case of emergency, a 24-hour duty officer may be reached after hours at 07.38.01.71.