Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
until Sunday, September 29. The curfew in Bouaké and Korhogo remains from
18:00 to 8:00. Some poorer neighborhoods of Abidjan, many inhabited by for-
eigners resident in Côte d'Ivoire, have been burned during the government's
searches for pockets of rebellious soldiers.
International flights:
The international airport in Abidjan is open and oper-
ational during non-curfew hours. Air France and KLM, the two airlines that
service Europe from Abidjan, flew into Abidjan over the weekend, rescheduling
their flights to conform to the curfew. South African Airways has also serviced
Abidjan over the weekend.
Bouaké and Korhogo:
The rebels are still in control of Bouaké and Korhogo.
The Minister of Sports remains held hostage by the rebels in Bouaké. The rebels
have appealed to the government for negotiations and the government has
demanded that the rebels lay down their arms prior to any negotiations.
French troops arrived in Abidjan on Saturday to help ensure the safety of
French and third-country nationals in rebel-held Korhogo and Bouaké. The U.S.
is coordinating with French authorities.
Americans in Côte d'Ivoire:
All official Americans, including all Peace Corps
volunteers, in Côte d'Ivoire are safe and accounted for. There have been no
reports of attacks against Europeans or Americans or their property. There are
no plans to evacuate official or non-official Americans from Abidjan. The U.S.
consul has been in frequent contact with American citizens in Bouaké and
Korhogo to advise them of any instructions through the official warden system.
The September 22, 2002 Public Announcement for Côte d'Ivoire urges U.S.
citizens to postpone travel to Côte d'Ivoire at this time. American citizens in the
cities of Abidjan, Bouaké, and Korhogo are advised to stay home.
International Christian Academy:
The International Christian Academy, a
school primarily serving the children of missionaries posted throughout West
Africa, has approximately 160 U.S. citizens on the campus located in Bouaké. The
school has adequate supplies and the students are reported safe, despite reports of
gunfire close to the school. The Embassy remains in regular contact with the school.
The Embassy:
The U.S. embassy in Abidjan will be closed to the public on
Monday, September 23. A small core group of employees will report to work. The
International Community School of Abidjan will also be closed on September 23.
As a result of security concerns, U.S. Embassy Abidjan may close for general busi-
ness periodically to review its security posture in the future.
By the following day, the situation worsened to the point where U.S. troops
were dispatched to provide for the safety of American citizens endangered
