Security Message for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Kigali, Rwanda
Security Message for U.S. Citizens
Attacks by Armed Groups into Northwestern Rwanda
December 3, 2012
The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens that early in the morning of December 2, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's Karisoke Kazi anti-poaching camp was attacked by an armed group that apparently crossed the border from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The attackers killed one tracker and stole supplies. The Karisoke Kazi camp is situated directly outside Volcanoes National Park, near the town of Kinigi. In addition to this attack, on November 27, the U.S. Embassy received credible reports of incursions into Rwanda from DRC by armed groups in the Cyanzarwe sector of Rubavu District.
There are numerous militias and armed groups in the DRC provinces of North and South Kivu, and these areas have a high level of rebel activity. The Government of Rwanda has stated that its border security has been reinforced to guard against insecurity from the DRC.
Pending clarification of the situation, the U.S. Embassy has restricted travel of official Americans to Rubavu District, Volcanoes National Park, the town of Kinigi, and the area to the north and west of Kinigi that abuts Volcanoes National Park. We urge U.S. citizens to avoid travel to these areas.
The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the situation in eastern DRC remains extremely volatile. There are many areas where the Rwanda-DRC border is not clearly marked. Please do not remain in areas where fighting is occurring. U.S. citizens should also be alert to danger from stray bullets and munitions from fighting near all Rwanda/DRC border areas.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Kigali website or receiving consular information on Twitter. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. You can also download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Android market, to have travel information at your fingertips. If you don't have internet access, you may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or from other countries on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
If you are going to live in or travel to Rwanda, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date. It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
The Embassy is located at 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie; the mailing address is B.P. 28, Kigali, Rwanda; tel. +250 (252) 596-400. The consular section’s e-mail address is consularkigali@state.gov. Routine U.S. Citizens Services are available by appointment Tuesdays from 09:00 to 12:00 and Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00, except for U.S. and Rwandan holidays.
For after-hours emergencies, please call +250 (252) 596-400. For additional information on consular services, please visit the Embassy's website.