2011-04-14 Ivory Coast, warning

The Department of State continues to warn us citizens travelling to C?te d'Ivoire.? American citizens remaining in Ivory Coast should carefully watch conditions, maintain awareness of the situation and very particular attention to their personal safety.? The security situation remains fluid in Abidjan and can change quickly and without much warning. ?There are continuous reports of anarchy in various neighbourhoods in Abidjan after the arrest and the detention of former President Laurent Gbagbo.? Instances can continue to arise when the best way to proceed is for citizens to shelter temporarily in place, if it is generally safe to do so.? Safety and security issues, the Embassy of the United States in Abidjan has reduced the number of staff of the mission, and, depending on the circumstances, the ability of the Embassy for help in emergencies can be limited.? This warning replaces the warning of April 9, 2011 for the citizens of the United States on the current status of the security update. April 11, the Ivorian military forces arrested former President Laurent Gbagbo.? Since his defeat the President Alassane Ouattara, in the presidential election of November 2010, Gbagbo had refused to relinquish power.? Anarchy, food shortages and the banking crisis are possible hazards and problems for us citizens in Abidjan. ?End of March, the political crisis deteriorated into an armed conflict between the pro-Ouattara and pro-Gbagbo forces, as pro-Ouattara forces took control of the cities of the West and the central part of C?te d'Ivoire and converged in Abidjan.? Although the situation is calm since the arrest of Mr. Gbagbo, public order has yet to return to all of the neighbourhoods of Abidjan. American citizens who remained in C?te d'Ivoire, despite the warnings of previous travel advises departure should include the current limits to the Embassy of the United States.? The Embassy has a reduced capacity to respond in a crisis for citizens who chose to remain in C?te d'Ivoire. French military has scaled back civil assistance and no longer offer refuge to the Licorne base near the international airport.? U.S. citizens who wish to leave the country as soon as it is safe to do so should check the Abidjan International Airport Web site to determine the availability of flight.? US citizens are encouraged to evaluate very carefully plans to leave a security zone to try to get to the airport. The Embassy hopes to reopen the consular section the or about April 18, but services are likely to be limited that resumed operations.? Contact the Consular Section before making a visit would caution under the circumstances.? We need to remember that because of the conditions in the country, the Embassy has severely diminished capacity to help American citizens and in the case of a resumption of hostilities temporary in the safe implementation of the violence is often your best option. Currently in Ivory Coast, despite this, American citizens and previous travel warnings should register with the registration of the traveller Smart (STEP) program, by sending contact information including E-mail and cell phone to CdiUnrestAmCitInquiry@state.gov.? Most recent country specific information sheet from the Department of State for the Republic of C?te d'Ivoire and the warning in the world is located on the website of the Directorate-General of Consular Affairs of the Department of State. The current safety and security information are also available toll-free at 1 888 407 4747 leave in the United States and the Canada, or regular rate toll-free at 1-202-501-4444 calls outside of the United States and the Canada, from 8: 00 to 20: 00 hour of the is, Monday to Friday (except for U.S. Federal holidays).? You can also stay up-to-date by a bookmark to our Office of Consular Affairs website, which contains current travel alerts travel warnings as well as the warning around the world.? Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs Facebook page.