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Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Nouakchott (Mauritania), Demonstrations
Travel Health and Safety
Africa > Mauritania > Nouakchott
12/13/2012
U.S. Embassy Nouakchott is issuing this security message to alert U.S. citizens in Mauritania for the possibility of unrest and/or protest activities in Nouakchott on or near the dates of December 14 and 19, 2012, as a result of the upcoming release of a YouTube video and a Hollywood film, the latter of which purportedly documents the death of Osama Bin Laden.  

On December 14, the YouTube movie, titled “The Innocent Prophet,” is expected to be released.  This movie recounts the life of Muhammad from the viewpoint of a former Muslim, Imran Firasat, from Spain.  And, on December 19, the Hollywood film documenting the death of Osama Bin Laden,  “Zero Dark Thirty,” will be released.  Protests relating to either of these two media productions may occur.  

U.S. citizens should, therefore, maintain an appropriate level of situational awareness and pay close attention to the local news media.  Remember even demonstrations and gatherings intended to be peaceful can, without advanced warning, become confrontational or violent.  Consequently, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid crowds, political gatherings, and street demonstrations, and to exercise caution when near the vicinity of any demonstration. 
 
The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott strongly encourages U.S. citizens who travel to or live in Mauritania to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the most up-to-date security information.  Please keep all of your information in STEP current.  It is important when enrolling or updating information to include multiple phone numbers and email addresses to facilitate communication in the event of an emergency.
 
U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information sheet for the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Worldwide Caution, both located on the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.  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).
 
The U.S. Embassy is located between the Presidency building and the Spanish Embassy on Rue Abdallaye. The postal address is B.P. 222, Nouakchott, telephone (222) 4-525-2660/2663, 4-525-1141/1145, or 4-525-3038, and fax (222) 4-525-1592. For after-hours emergencies, please call (222) 4-525-3288 or visit the U.S. Embassy Nouakchott web site. In the event of an emergency that interrupts mobile phone (SMS) or Internet communication in Mauritania, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy's dedicated Consular emergency recording at (222) 4-525-3707 to receive the most up-to-date instructions.