This Travel Alert is being issued to advise U.S. citizens traveling to the Union of the Comoros of the potential for unrest following the removal of former president Mohamed Bacar from authority over the island of Anjouan by African Union and Comoran forces. This Travel Alert expires on May 31, 2008.
Washington, D.C. - infoZine - On March 25, 2008, control of the island of Anjouan was restored to the Union of Comoros following the forcible removal of former Anjouan Island president Mohamed Bacar, who had illegally retained and seized power. French authorities detained Bacar on the island of Mayotte, whence he had fled, and transported him to the French Overseas Department of Reunion where his asylum request is pending. Street demonstrations protesting French involvement and perceived protection of Bacar following his arrival in French controlled territory have occurred in Moroni, the Comoran capital. These protests are primarily directed against the French, but threats have also been made against other westerners. Further demonstrations are expected, pending resolution of Bacar's asylum claim with France and the criminal case against him in the Comoros.
In light of this information, U.S. citizens are urged to carefully consider the risks of travel to Comoros at this time. The military situation in Anjouan is still unsettled and the possibility of spontaneous mob violence throughout Comoros persists. U.S. citizens already in Comoros are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile. The United States does not have an Embassy in the Union of the Comoros so the ability of the United States Department of State to assist American citizens encountering difficulty is extremely limited.
American citizens considering travel to Comoros despite this travel alert are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, through the State Department's travel registration website, travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy in Antananarivo to contact them in case of emergency.
The Embassy is located at 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo. The mailing address is B.P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo, Madagascar; telephone [261] (20) 22-212-57 during regular business hours and for after hours emergencies; fax [261] (20) 22-345-39. The Consular Section e-mail is antanwarden@state.gov. The Embassy's web site is located at www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov.
Updated information on travel and security in Comoros may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information please consult the Consular Information Sheet for Comoros and the Worldwide Travel Alerts which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at travel.state.gov.
Washington, D.C. - infoZine - On March 25, 2008, control of the island of Anjouan was restored to the Union of Comoros following the forcible removal of former Anjouan Island president Mohamed Bacar, who had illegally retained and seized power. French authorities detained Bacar on the island of Mayotte, whence he had fled, and transported him to the French Overseas Department of Reunion where his asylum request is pending. Street demonstrations protesting French involvement and perceived protection of Bacar following his arrival in French controlled territory have occurred in Moroni, the Comoran capital. These protests are primarily directed against the French, but threats have also been made against other westerners. Further demonstrations are expected, pending resolution of Bacar's asylum claim with France and the criminal case against him in the Comoros.
In light of this information, U.S. citizens are urged to carefully consider the risks of travel to Comoros at this time. The military situation in Anjouan is still unsettled and the possibility of spontaneous mob violence throughout Comoros persists. U.S. citizens already in Comoros are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile. The United States does not have an Embassy in the Union of the Comoros so the ability of the United States Department of State to assist American citizens encountering difficulty is extremely limited.
American citizens considering travel to Comoros despite this travel alert are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, through the State Department's travel registration website, travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy in Antananarivo to contact them in case of emergency.
The Embassy is located at 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo. The mailing address is B.P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo, Madagascar; telephone [261] (20) 22-212-57 during regular business hours and for after hours emergencies; fax [261] (20) 22-345-39. The Consular Section e-mail is antanwarden@state.gov. The Embassy's web site is located at www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov.
Updated information on travel and security in Comoros may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information please consult the Consular Information Sheet for Comoros and the Worldwide Travel Alerts which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at travel.state.gov.