Warden Messages and Special Announcements
U.S. Embassy Niamey, Niger
Updated Security Measures and Presidential Elections - Correction
March 11, 2011
This warden message is to inform U.S. citizens that the U.S. Embassy in Niamey has reevaluated its security posture and decided to end the curfew and prohibition of travel outside Niamey implemented after the January 7 kidnapping. The threat of terrorist activity remains high and each individual must take responsibility for continuing to exercise caution and vigilance. The Embassy will evaluate proposed travel as well as official and personal activities on a case-by-case basis in light of current security considerations. Embassy Niamey continues to restrict the travel of U.S. government employees and official visitors in areas north of Niamey, and warns U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.
The U.S. Embassy also will take this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens of the Presidential run-off election scheduled for Saturday, March 12. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with elections results likely to be announced days later. The lead up to the current election has been peaceful, and we have no indication that this election will be marked by violence. However, we remind U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful demonstrations can quickly become unruly and Westerners could stand out and become a target of harassment or worse. U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor the media for local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the web site of the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. 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. If you do not have Internet access, please contact the call center for updates: 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or outside the United States and Canada 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 federal holidays).
If you are going to live in or travel to Niger, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP - https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/). 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 U.S. Embassy in Niamey (http://niamey.usembassy.gov/) is located on Rue des Ambassades, tel. (227) 20-72-26-61. The Embassy fax numbers are (227) 20-73-31-67 and (227) 20-72-31-46.
The after-hours emergency number is tel. (227) 20-72-31-41. Ask to speak with the duty officer.