warden message: Student Protests

U.S. Embassy Libreville

December 16, 2008

This warden message is being issued to advise American citizens that student protests began again this morning in Libreville causing significant traffic disruption.  There were no reported acts of violence, police have deployed, and roads are reportedly passable.  However, students remain dispersed throughout the city and the potential exists for further traffic disruptions and/or demonstrations, possibly focused on the areas around the Prime Minister's office and/or the area around the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both on or near the Bord de Mer.

Avoid unnecessary travel.  If you must move about the city, please use caution and avoid demonstrations if possible.

Thanks for your cooperation and be safe.

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, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  Up-to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States 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).  Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for Gabon, available at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security.  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.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

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.