U.S. Embassy, Nouakchott
Warden Message
March 7, 2007

The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott is advising American citizens in Mauritania to maintain a high level of vigilance during the days immediately prior to and following the March 11 and March 25 presidential elections.  The Embassy urges all American citizens to exercise caution and to be aware of their surroundings to assure their own personal safety.

As a precautionary measure, Embassy personnel have been advised to limit non-official travel outside the capital during the election days, as the authorities may increase surveillance and refuse passage at checkpoints. Comply promptly with directions from the police and other Mauritanian security forces, and carry copies of your personal identity papers with you at all times.

U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational or violent with little or no warning.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid large crowds and the most active roads for campaign tents and other campaigning activities, which are as follows:

-- Rue AbouBakr Siddigh from west of the Stade Olympique to north of Woodside

-- Avenue du Général de Gaulle from Marché Capital to BBCIS

-- The road in front of the Palais des Congrès

-- Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser between the Palais de Justice and the Grande Mosquée

-- Avenue de l’Indépendence near the Stade Capital

-- Avenue Faiçal between Mauritel Mobiles and Stade du Ksar

Campaign tents are located in other areas as well and roads in those areas should also be avoided if heavy traffic or crowds are present.

American citizens are also reminded that the Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.  Al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Africa and the Middle East.  As noted in the Department of State Worldwide Caution Public Announcement dated October 11, 2006, terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings and assassinations.  Terrorists make no distinction between official and civilian targets. 

The Embassy has noted a rise in anti-American sentiment in some parts of Mauritania.  Incidents have thus far been minor.  However, ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in an increase of demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. 

The Embassy urges all American citizens to listen to media reports for additional information and report any unusual activity to the Embassy.  The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott will continue to monitor the situation in Mauritania and provide updates as appropriate.

U.S. citizens in Mauritania are strongly encouraged to register and keep in touch with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at rue Abdallaye, Nouakchott, telephone (222) 525-2660/2663, 525-1141/45 or 525-3038 (ext. 4551), fax 525-3945/525-1592. The Consular section can also be contacted by Email: ConsularNKC@state.gov.

In case of emergency during non-business hours, you may call the Embassy Marine Security Guard at (222) 525-2660/2663, 525-1141/45 or 525-3038 (ext. 0) or 525-3288, or the Embassy Duty Officer at 662-8163.

The Department of State continues to monitor conditions overseas and, as always, will promptly disseminate information affecting Americans abroad through its consular information program.  These documents are available on the Department’s Internet website at www.travel.state.gov.  Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and Canada and, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.