Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Nouakchott
11 August 2009
The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott is issuing this Warden Message to inform American citizens that Peace Corps volunteers are temporarily being withdrawn from Mauritania due to safety and security concerns. Volunteers presently serving in Mauritania will be given options to serve elsewhere. The Peace Corps and the U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor the safety and security situation in Mauritania in preparation for Peace Corps’ return. The Peace Corps office in Nouakchott will remain open.
U.S. citizens should review the State Department's Worldwide Caution, especially the section on Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb's presence in West Africa. We encourage American citizens to be especially aware of their security and surroundings. The U.S. Mission has advised its personnel to avoid travel after dark, non-essential travel outside of Nouakchott, areas with significant crowds, places where large numbers of foreigners gather, and large cultural or other public events. Enhanced security awareness also includes varying routes and times of movements to and from work. American citizens should stay current on local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. American citizens are also urged to register with the U.S. Embassy. They can do so in person or at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website, and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website, www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages American citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
The U.S. Embassy can be reached at:
Telephone: (222) 525-2660 (business hours)
(222) 525-3288 (after-hours emergencies)
Address: 288, rue 42-100 (rue Abdallaye)
Nouakchott, Mauritania
Located between the Spanish Embassy and the Presidency
Website: http://mauritania.usembassy.gov