Warden Messages

Consular Warden Notice
United States Embassy

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
September 10, 2007

This warden message alerts American citizens that, due to the current security situation in North Kivu, the U.S. Embassy has suspended all official, non-essential travel to that region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) until further notice. The Travel Warning dated April 24, 2007 remains in effect for the DRC.

Recent fighting between military and militia forces in North Kivu province, particularly around Masisi and Rutshuru, continues. An unknown number of persons (both military and civilian) have been killed over the past week and there are reports of more than 5,000 internally displaced persons seeking refuge in the Goma area and elsewhere. Movements of forces on both sides, build-up of government troops and continued clashes are expected.
Americans in the area are advised to closely monitor local and international news from reliable sources for updated reports. Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM at 0700, 0800, 1200 and 1800 as well as flash broadcasts throughout the day. English language news can be found on BBC at 92.6 FM.

Additionally, American citizens are urged to review and update their personal and organization’s emergency plans, and take necessary precautions to avoid being caught in dangerous situations.

Americans are also reminded to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa and are strongly urged to also register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kigali. Registration for both Embassies may be completed online at: http://registration.state.gov or by calling the Embassy in Kinshasa at: 081 884-4609 or Kigali at: (250) 505-602. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassies to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, tel. 243-081-225-5872 (do not dial the zero when calling from abroad). The Consular Section of the Embassy may be reached at tel. 243-081-884-6859 or 243-081-884-4609; fax 243-081-301-0560 (do not dial the first zero when calling from abroad). For after-hours emergencies please call 81 225-5872 or 81 556-0151. The consular section may be reached by email at AEKinshasaConsular@state.gov. The Embassy’s website is: http://Kishasa.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Embassy in Kigali is located at Boulevard de la Revolution; the mailing address is B.P. 28, Kigali, Rwanda; tel. (250) 505-602 or (250) 505-603, then dial zero; fax: (250) 572-128; e-mail address is amembkigali@hotmail.com. The Consular Section’s email address is: consularkigali@state.gov. The Embassy's Internet website is http://kigali.usembassy.gov/.