Warden Message – Security Update

January 21, 2011

WARDEN MESSAGE
U.S. Embassy Niamey, Niger
Updated Security Measures

This warden message is to inform U.S. citizens that the U.S. Embassy in Niamey has reevaluated its security measures.  While the Embassy continues to urge all U.S. citizens to be vigilant and exercise caution, it is adjusting some of the stricter requirements put in place on January 17, 2011 in response to the kidnappings and deaths of two French nationals in Niamey.  Current measures include:

• Resuming normal security procedures for official travel outside of Niamey
• Lifting restrictions on travel by official visitors to Niamey.  Visitors must comply with security requirements.
• Adhering to a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.  The previous curfew was from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Continuing twice weekly radio checks
• Returning to more normal daytime activity within Niamey, but ensuring that colleagues and/or family are aware of your movements and expected return times.

The Embassy will re-evaluate as the situation evolves.  We urge private U.S. citizens to consider adopting similar precautions
 
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.