WARDEN MESSAGEs

The Gambia’s Southern Border

May 12, 2006

This Warden Message is issued to alert American citizens to security concerns and possible unrest in The Gambia’s southern border region.

The U.S. Embassy in The Gambia informs the American community that the Embassy has received credible reports of recent gunfire involving rebel fighters from Senegal’s Casamance region along The Gambia’s southern border.  The rebels are armed with small arms, and possibly with mortars and other weapons.  Increased numbers of refugees have also been reported moving through the area.

For safety reasons, the U.S. Peace Corps has withdrawn a volunteer serving in the area.  The U.S. Embassy has not restricted its employees’ travel to the area, but urges all Americans to exercise caution when traveling through the southern border regions, particularly the area between Kartong and Mansa Konko.  

Americans in The Gambia wishing to travel to Senegal, including the Casamance region, should read the Consular Information Sheet for Senegal available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1013.html

The Embassy reminds American citizens in The Gambia to continue to exercise their normal security precautions, particularly around military checkpoints.  Remain aware of your surroundings, maintain a low profile, carry personal identification, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. 

The U.S. Embassy in The Gambia is located on Kairaba Avenue in Fajara and the telephone number is (220) 439-2856.  For emergency assistance outside of business hours (which are Monday – Thursday 8:00-5:30 and Friday 8:00-12:00), please call the main number and wait on the line for emergency assistance.

Americans living or traveling in The Gambia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within The Gambia.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.  

Up-to-date information on safety and security is available at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, 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).