TRAVEL ALERT: GABON

UNCLAS STATE 090062 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC GB SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT: GABON ¶1. The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the risks of travel to Gabon during the upcoming presidential election following the death of Gabonese President El-Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba. The official election campaign period began on August 16. The elections are scheduled for August 30. This Travel Alert expires on September 15, 2009. ¶2. The U.S. Embassy has received information confirming that the Government of Gabon intends to close all borders on Sunday, August 30, 2009. This will interrupt travelers entering or exiting the country via land, sea, and air. The borders are expected to reopen on Monday, August 31. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation for any additional details on interruptions to travel that may occur during the coming week. ¶3. While the U.S. Embassy in Libreville expects the presidential election to develop peacefully and in an orderly fashion, American citizens should be aware that even peaceful gatherings and demonstrations can turn unexpectedly violent. Significant traffic congestions, shortages in hotel lodgings, and large crowds throughout the country, particularly in Libreville, are likely to inconvenience travelers. ¶4. U.S. citizens in Gabon should remain aware of their surroundings, monitor and assess their own security situations at all times, and avoid large public gatherings, protests, and demonstrations. U.S. citizens are encouraged to report unusual events or activities to the U.S. Embassy. ¶5. Updated information on travel and security in Gabon may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501- 4444, from other countries. Additional details can be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Gabon and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. ¶6. The Embassy is located in Centre Ville on the Boulevard du Bord de Mer, and may be reached at (241)- 76-20-03/04 during business hours. In case of emergency, a 24-hour duty officer may be reached after hours at (241) 07-38-01-71. ¶7. Minimize considered. CLINTON