TRAVEL ALERT: NIGER

UNCLAS STATE 119771 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC NG SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT: NIGER ¶1. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the risks of travel to Niger due to threat of kidnapping, and recommends against all travel to Niger at this time. This Travel Alert expires February 28, 2010. ¶2. On December 14, 2008, two United Nations officials, former Canadian diplomats, were kidnapped by the terrorist group Al Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) while returning to Niamey after a visit to a Canadian-operated gold mine. On January 22, 2009, four Europeans were abducted by AQIM operatives along the Mali-Niger border as their tour group returned to Niamey from a cultural festival in the Malian town of Anderamboukane. On November 14, 2009, heavily armed individuals attempted to kidnap U.S. embassy employees in Tahoua. ¶3. In addition to the threat of kidnapping posed by extremists, a State of Alert is in effect for the region of Agadez, including the cities of Agadez, Arlit, and Iferouane. The State of Alert means that all travelers require Government of Niger permission for travel in and around these cities, and are liable to be stopped and held for questioning. Moreover, the Nigerien military has the authority to hold individuals for questioning, without cause, beyond the standard 48 hours that local law enforcement is authorized to hold an individual for questioning before rendering charges. ¶4. Conditions of insecurity persist throughout northern and western Niger, and armed groups operate with relative impunity throughout these border regions. In addition, conflict zones in northern Niger are strewn with landmines, further impeding travel. Please note that due to security concerns, U.S. government employees and official visitors are not permitted to travel outside of Niamey at this time. ¶5. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens traveling to or remaining in Niger despite this Travel Alert to take responsibility for their own safety and security. American citizens should keep abreast of local events, monitor local news sources, and maintain heightened situational awareness at all times. ¶6. The U.S. Embassy in Niamey is located on Rue des Ambassades. The Embassy's mailing address is P.O. Box 11, 201 Niamey, Republic of Niger. The Embassy's telephone number is (227) 20-72-26-61. For after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please call (227) 20-72-31-41. The Embassy's web site is http://niamey.usembassy.gov/index.html. ¶7. Updated travel and security information for Niger may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1- 888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501- 4444, from other countries. For additional information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Niger and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. ¶8. Minimize considered. CLINTON