Security Messages for U.S. Citizens
To: All U.S. Citizens From: U.S. Embassy Djibouti Subject: Land Mine Injures Djiboutian Boy Near Lac Assal Date: March 1, 2012 A 12-year-old boy was seriously injured by a land mine in the vicinity of Lac Assal and Ghoubet in the last few days. The incident occurred in the area known as Dabaleh Gahar; near the coordinates N 11.525211041771168, E 42.49159812927246. It is to the east of where National Route 10 splits off from National Route 9. This location is approximately 20 km southeast of where most people visit Lac Assal; about one kilometer from the paved road. This area was home to a Djiboutian military encampment during the civil war (1991-1994) and the mine likely remained in place after that conflict. Incidents such as this are rare in Djibouti but worth keeping in mind when traveling off-road. If traveling in an unfamiliar area, travel with a guide, stay on marked paths, and keep close watch of children at all times. If you witness anything that appears suspicious, please dial 18 to report it to the police. If you live in or travel to Djibouti, 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. You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Djibouti Website. 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 Warning, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or for callers from other countries, 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). You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips. The U.S. Embassy is located at Lot number 350-B, Lotissement Haramous, Djibouti City. The mailing address is B.P. 185, Lot number 350-B, Lotissement Haramous, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti. U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy during regular work hours, Sundays - Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by dialing (253) 21-453-000. For after hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens, dial (253) 21-453-010 or (253) 77-877-229. * * * * * * * * * * * To: All U.S. Citizens From: U.S. Embassy Djibouti Subject: Student Unrest Date: March 1, 2012 The Embassy wishes to inform U.S. citizens that students at the University of Djibouti demonstrated within the last twenty-four hours and have caused minor damage inside the University. This replicates last year’s protest, fueled by poor end-of-term grades. Last year’s protest involved rock-throwing in the vicinity of the University for a one week period. In 2011 students from some high schools, particularly Lycee de Gabode, joined the unrest causing damage to buildings and private homes in the Gabode sector. If you inadvertently end up in the midst of, or close to, an event such as this, extricate yourself as quickly and safely as possible and maintain a low profile (do not take out your cell phone camera to capture the moment). Keep your fully charged cell phone with you at all times and, most importantly, use common sense. If you see a problem, avoid it. If you get injured or your vehicle gets damaged while you are in it, drive through the problem, get to a safe area, and contact local authorities. If you witness any suspicious activity, please dial 18 to report it to the police. If you live in or travel to Djibouti, 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. You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Djibouti Website. 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 Warning, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or for callers from other countries, 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). You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips. The U.S. Embassy is located at Lot number 350-B, Lotissement Haramous, Djibouti City. The mailing address is B.P. 185, Lot number 350-B, Lotissement Haramous, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti. U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy during regular work hours, Sundays - Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by dialing (253) 21-453-000. For after hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens, dial (253) 21-453-010 or (253) 77-877-229.