TRAVEL ALERT - COMOROS

UNCLAS STATE 086578 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC ASEC KPAO PREL CN SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - COMOROS ¶1. This Travel Alert is being issued to advise U.S. citizens traveling to the Union of the Comoros of the potential for demonstrations and civil unrest due to a severe fuel shortage across the nation. This Travel Alert expires October 12, 2008. ¶2. The Union of Comoros is continuing to experience gasoline and diesel fuel shortages following a July 2008 termination of a sole source supply contract for the country's fuel needs. Street demonstrations protesting the lack of fuel have occurred in Moroni, the Comoran capital, and on the island of Anjouan. These protests are primarily directed against the Comoran government but past protests have been directed against the French and other Westerners residing in the country. Further demonstrations may occur, pending a resolution of the fuel shortages. ¶3. In light of this information, U.S. citizens are urged to carefully consider travel to Comoros at this time. Fuel shortages have severely impacted the availability of transportation, as well as electricity and running water. In addition, the political and security situation in Moroni is tense and the possibility of spontaneous mob violence throughout Comoros is a concern. U.S. citizens already in Comoros are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile. ¶4. American citizens considering travel to Comoros despite this Travel Alert are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy in Antananarivo to contact them in case of emergency. ¶5. The Embassy is located at 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo. The mailing address is B.P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo, Madagascar; telephone [261] (20) 22-212-57 during regular business hours and for after hours emergencies; fax [261] (20) 22-345-39. The Consular Section e-mail address is antanwarden@state.gov. The Embassy's web site is located at http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov. ¶6. Updated information on travel and security in Comoros may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1- 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information please consult the Country Specific Information for Comoros and the Worldwide Travel Alerts which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. ¶7. Minimize considered. RICE