U.S. Citizens Services

Consular Warden Notice
United States Embassy
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

August 21, 2006

Wardens:  Please disseminate as soon as possible the following notice to all American citizens within your registration zone.  Thank you.

WARDEN MESSAGE,
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

As noted in the most recent warden message dated August 15, events affecting public safety in Kinshasa and elsewhere in the DRC remain unpredictable and situations may develop rapidly and without warning as was evidenced by last night’s exchange of gunfire in several areas of Gombe.  Tensions remain high and the possibility of situations affecting personal safety remains higher than normal.

Americans are reminded to practice good personal safety including paying close attention to their surroundings, listen to local radio and television for up-to-date information, know alternate routes for escape should any incidents occur and avoid whenever possible situations that may become violent.

The embassy is advising all American citizens to remain indoors at home after dark until the situation stabilizes.  In the event of gunfire in the vicinity of home, the Regional Security Officer (RSO) advises staying away from windows in an internal room. 

American citizens throughout DRC are encouraged to review their personal security plans, avoid any large crowds, remain vigilant, monitor the local and international news and report any incidents of targeted violence against US citizens to the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa by calling 081-225-5872.  Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM at 0700, 0800, 1200 and 1800 as well as “flash” updates throughout the day.  English-language news can be found on BBC at 92.7 FM.

Americans should notify their wardens and the Consular section when traveling out of town or out of the country, or if there is a change in residence or contact information.  The Consular section will continue to use the warden cascade notification system to reach Americans in DRC in case of emergency as this system reaches the broadest number of people most effectively. In case of an after hours emergency requiring immediate email notification, notices may also be sent from the Consular section’s “hotmail” account.  This mailbox will not/not accept or be monitored for incoming messages.  Americans in need of assistance should contact the American Embassy in Kinshasa at 081-225-5872 or by email at aekinshasaconsular@state.gov.

As always, Americans in DRC are encouraged to maintain an emergency supply of food, water and necessary items to last for 3-5 days in the event of a serious disruption to basic infrastructure services.  The Embassy also reminds citizens of the State Department’s travel warning for DRC, which is dated January 20, 2006.  This and the Consular Information Sheet can be accessed at www. travel.state.gov or by contacting the Consular Section.

U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy and to obtain information on travel and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa.  Citizens may register online at the following website:  https://travelregistration.state.gov.  Registration information provided at that website is immediately available to the Embassy and will be protected under the Privacy Act.