Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

This information is current as of today,

 

July 24, 2009

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Niger immediately before and after the constitutional referendum on August 4, 2009, and recommends against all non-emergency travel to Niger at this time.  This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2009.

If approved, the new constitution would extend President Mamadou Tandja’s current term in office by three years and allow unlimited five-year presidential terms.  Demonstrations for and against the referendum have primarily been peaceful.  However, on July 15, 2009, security forces in Niamey used tear gas and batons to disrupt a women’s rally in support of the dissolved Constitutional Court.  Also, on June 1, 2009, a violent clash occurred outside of Niamey between groups demonstrating for and against the referendum. 

 In light of the volatile political environment, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey has temporarily deferred the travel of U.S. Government visitors to Niger.  U.S. citizens are urged to defer their travel to Niger as well.

The State Department wishes to remind Americans that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and quickly escalate into violence.  As a result, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise extreme caution within the vicinity of any large public gathering.  U.S. citizens in Niger should also stock up on food, water, and other basic necessities due to possible disruptions in the delivery of goods and services. 

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal safety and security.  American citizens should keep abreast of local events, monitor local news sources, and maintain heightened situational awareness at all times.

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey is located on Rue des Ambassades.  The Embassy’s mailing address is B.P. 11201, Niamey, Republic of Niger.  The Embassy’s telephone number is (227) 20-72-26-61.  For after-hours emergencies involving American citizens, please call (227) 20-72-31-41.  The Embassy's web site is http://niamey.usembassy.gov/index.html.

Updated information on travel and security in 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 further 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.