TRAVEL WARNING: CHAD

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 120556 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC CD SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING: CHAD STATE 00120556 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Chad and recommends that American citizens avoid all travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border area. This Warning is due to insecurity caused by recently increased levels of violent criminality, the continuing risk of clashes between Chadian government and rebel forces, and current political tension between Chad and Sudan. The U.S. Embassy in Chad has prohibited official government travel to eastern Chad without express authorization. American citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts should review security precautions and consider measures to mitigate exposure to violent crime. American citizens residing in Chad should exercise extreme caution throughout the country. This replaces the Travel Warning for Chad dated June 02, 2008 to remind U.S. citizens of continuing security concerns in Chad. ¶2. Violent crime in eastern Chad has escalated in recent weeks, including robbery and carjacking at gunpoint, kidnapping and attempted kidnapping, and murder. The level of violence in each incident has increased significantly; robbery victims have been beaten and killed. In addition, armed rebel groups continue to be a threat to the region. Criminal and rebel activity tends to increase during the dry season, which lasts from late September to July. ¶3. The overall security situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous. Violent criminal gangs are difficult to interdict, despite the presence of a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in the region. The government of Chad is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors in eastern Chad. If rebels approach the capital, N'djamena, the U.S. Embassy may decide to evacuate non-emergency personnel and family members of Embassy personnel on short notice, as was done in June ¶2008. Family members of Embassy personnel under the age of 21 are not authorized to reside in Chad. Commercial flights continue to operate from N'Djamena International Airport, but flights are subject to change when rebel activity intensifies. ¶4. U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad are strongly urged to closely review the policies and procedures of their organizations to mitigate risks from violent crime. All should coordinate travel plans with their UN partner agency security officers in Abch and N'Djamena, and follow UN Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) guidance regarding safety and security. The government of Chad requires all individuals traveling to or residing in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad to obtain permits issued by the Ministry of Territorial Administration in N'Djamena, and to register in Abch upon arrival in eastern Chad. American citizens who intend to enter Sudan from Chad, despite the Department's Travel Warnings for both countries, must obtain the appropriate visas and permits in advance of entry into Sudan. Further information is available in the Department's Travel Warning for Sudan. ¶5. The U.S. Embassy is not able to support evacuation from eastern Chad. All Americans affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad must have an evacuation plan developed with the United Nations mission, which has aircraft and other logistical support. The Embassy strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens in Chad be prepared to implement their personal evacuation or safe haven plans on short notice should the situation warrant, and exercise extreme caution. Americans in Chad should closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy's website. The embassy webpage is http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/ STATE 00120556 002.2 OF 002 ¶6. American citizens traveling to or resident in Chad should register with the U.S. Embassy by completing a registration form online and provide contact information and specific travel data if traveling outside the capital. Registration enables the Embassy to contact American citizens in case of emergency and provide updates on the security situation. The U.S. Embassy is located in N'Djamena on Avenue Felix Ebou; mailing address B.P. 413, telephone (including after hours emergencies): (235) 251-70-09; alternate numbers 251-62- 11, 251-90-52, 251-92-33, 251-77-59, 251-92-18; fax (235) 251-56-54. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll- free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and CANADA on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Chad and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. ¶7. Minimize considered. CLINTON