Warden Message: Death of President Omar Bongo Ondimba

U.S. Embassy
Libreville, Gabon
June 8, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the death of Gabonese President El-Hajj Omar Bongo Ondimba on Monday, June 8, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. in Barcelona, Spain.  At present, the situation in Gabon remains calm.  However, both the security situation and traffic conditions are subject to change due to events in observance of the president’s death.  American citizens in Gabon are advised to exercise caution around large crowds, including public mourning events, and to keep personal provisions on hand should they need to remain indoors for several days.  As always, Americans should monitor media reports and stay vigilant to personal safety.

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 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.