TRAVEL NEWS
News and Informations for the Travel Manager
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Travel News
| Congo, Democratic Republic of |
12.10.2006 |
| Warden Message: U.S. Embassy reports possible closure of borders, airports during elections |
U.S. Embassy Kinshasa issued the following Warden Message:
Provincial and the second round of Presidential elections are scheduled to take place on October 29, 2006. Campaigning for these elections has begun with Presidential campaigning to begin on October 13. Continued large gatherings and demonstrations are likely as election day nears. As was seen in Kinshasa in August and September, violence remains a possibility and situations may escalate quickly.
The Embassy anticipates that, as has been the case in past elections, all DRC land borders, airports and river crossing borders may be closed for a period of 24 to 48 hours around the day of elections.
American citizens throughout DRC are reminded to review their personal security plans, avoid any large crowds, remain vigilant, monitor the local and international news and report any incidents of targeted violence against U.S. citizens to the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa by calling 081-225-5872. Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM at 0700, 0800, 1200 and 1800 as well as "flash" updates throughout the day. English-language news can be found on BBC at 92.7 FM.
As was the case in the days of violence, which erupted in Kinshasa on August 20-22, all Americans residing in or visiting the DRC are reminded to have several days of food, water and other necessities on hand in the event of the need to stand fast. Personal security plans should include internal security "safe haven" plans in the event that citizens are caught in a situation involving shooting or use of other types of weapons.
The Consular section will continue to use the warden cascade notification system to reach Americans in DRC in case of emergency as this system reaches the broadest number of people most effectively. In case of an after hours emergency requiring immediate email notification, notices may also be sent from the Consular section's "hotmail" account. This mailbox will not/not accept or be monitored for incoming messages.
Americans in need of emergency assistance should contact the American Embassy in Kinshasa at 081-225-5872 or by email at aekinshasaconsular@state.gov. | |
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