Warning-Central African Republic

The State Department warns against the risks of travel to the Central African Republic (car), American citizens and recommends against travel but essentially outside the capital, Bangui.? Passenger in the car should exercise extreme caution.? This replaces the warning on December 6, 2010, in view of the increase in tensions due to presidential and parliamentary elections to come, and instability in the East.? Armed militia groups, bandits and poachers present real dangers, and the Central African Government cannot guarantee the safety of visitors in most regions of the country.? There has been repeated attacks on Central Africa and travellers expatriate in the countryside. Poachers and gunmen also a threaten to drive game hunting in Northern and Eastern. Resistance Army (LRA of the Lord) is a threat similar to the hunters in the East of the automobile. The country has presidential and legislative elections on January 23 and the proclamation of the results of the first round is scheduled for February 7.? If necessary, a second round of the election campaign will begin March 8 and vote will take place on March 20.? Publication of final results is scheduled for April 5.? Throughout the election campaign period, American citizens in the car should expect an increase in the level of activity, including rallies, marches and other activities of the campaign.? While there was no specific threat of violence, the Embassy encourages American citizens to remain especially vigilant during the election period.? Bangui suffers rate high, mean-spirited, violent crime and particularly limited transport and medical options.? CAR military and civilian security forces (and people posing as such) staff checkpoints throughout the city, frequently harassing travellers of and expatriates of bribes. American citizens should avoid public demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Staff of the Embassy of the United States in Bangui can provide only limited services to U.S. citizens at this time.? Following the evacuation of U.S. personnel in 2002, the United States in Bangui Embassy resumed operations in January 2005.? However, the Embassy currently operates with an extremely limited staffing.? American citizens should be aware that only very basic and limited services are currently available.? Additional information on the website of the Embassy of Bangui can be found. The United States in Bangui Embassy encourages American citizens residing in, or planning to go to the car to register or update their information at the website of the Department of State registration travel Smart program (STEP).? Please note that it is important the registration or the update of the information, to include your current telephone and e-mail number where to reach you in an emergency.? U.S. citizens without internet access may register directly with the Embassy of the United States in Bangui.? By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in an emergency.? While the ability of the Embassy to provide emergency consular services is limited, registration will enable electronic receipt of warden messages. Bangui Embassy of the United States.
Avenue David Dacko,
P.O. BOX 924
Bangui
Tel: (236) 2161-0200
Fax: (236) 2161-4494
Phone after hours of emergency:
(236) 7554-2276 And citizens of the United States 7550-1293 (236) may also obtain the updated information of the Embassy of the United States to do N'Djamena, Chad, on the telephone (235) 51 - 70 - 09, 51-92-33 or 51-90-52; Fax (235) 51-56-54; Travellers can obtain the updated information on security conditions by calling the toll free in the United States and the Canada or outside the United States and the Canada on a regular 1-202-501-4444 toll-free 1-888-407-4747. For more information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State Country specific Information of the Central African Republic and worldwide caution, located on the Office of Consular Affairs Web site.