TRAVEL WARNING - CHAD

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 056533 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC ASEC CD SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - CHAD ¶1. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Chad and recommends that American citizens not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts avoid all travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border area due to insecurity caused by banditry, recent 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 residing in Chad should exercise extreme caution throughout the country. This replaces the Travel Warning for Chad dated November 14, 2008 to note the political tension between Chad and Sudan and the embassy's restrictions on travel to eastern Chad. ¶2. Armed rebel groups are active in the region and present real dangers. Rebel activity tends to increase during the dry season, which lasts from late September to July. Government troops pushed back rebel groups entering Chad from Sudan on May 7, and subsequently attacked rebel positions inside Sudan, which exacerbated tensions between Chad and Sudan. Chadian rebels continue to operate out of Sudan. ¶3. The security situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous. The government of Chad is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors in most parts of the country. If rebels approach the capital, N'djamena, the U.S. Embassy may, on short notice, decide to evacuate non-emergency personnel and family members of Embassy personnel, 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. 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 at http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov. ¶5. U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) security officers in Abeche and N'Djamena, and to follow UNHCR 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 Abeche 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 at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/t w_934.html. ¶6. American citizens traveling to or resident in Chad should register with the U.S. Embassy by completing a registration form online at https://travelregistration.state.gov and provide STATE 00056533 002 OF 002 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; website: http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov. 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. ¶7. Minimize considered. CLINTON