| GENESIS-SCI TRAVEL WARNINGS & ALAERTS |
December 9, 2002
Expansion in fighting between rebel elements and Ivoirian government forces. The Department of State
warns U.S. citizens against travel to Cote d'Ivoire and strongly urges that Americans in the country depart.
Rebel forces control most of northern Cote d'Ivoire, including the towns of Bouake and Korhogo, while
the capital, Yamoussoukro, and the commercial capital, Abidjan, remain under the government's control.
Although the government of Cote d'Ivoire and the rebel forces have signed an agreement to cease
hostilities, the situation has become increasingly volatile. In late November, fighting occurred in western
Cote d'Ivoire, with new rebel groups capturing the towns of Man and Danane and other areas.
In October, the Department ordered the departure of U.S. Government personnel in non-emergency
positions and family members of all U.S. Government personnel in Cote d'Ivoire. While the situation in
Abidjan and other areas outside the zones of conflict may appear calm, the situation is unpredictable, and
we urge private Americans to leave the country while space is still available on outgoing flights. The
international airport in Abidjan is currently open and operational during non-curfew hours, and airlines
continue their flights into and out of Abidjan with revised schedules. Land routes to the Ghanaian border
remain open, although they are subject to extensive delays due to roadblocks. Travel by U.S. Government
personnel outside of Abidjan is authorized only on an exceptional basis by the Ambassador. Private
Americans who remain in Abidjan despite this Travel Warning should avoid travel into the interior.
The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan may temporarily close for general business from time to time to review its
security posture. U.S. citizens who remain in Cote d'Ivoire despite this Travel Warning are urged to
register with the U.S. Embassy by calling (225) 20-21-09-79 or by fax at (225) 20-22-45-23.
Expansion in fighting between rebel elements and Ivoirian government forces. The Department of State
warns U.S. citizens against travel to Cote d'Ivoire and strongly urges that Americans in the country depart.
Rebel forces control most of northern Cote d'Ivoire, including the towns of Bouake and Korhogo, while
the capital, Yamoussoukro, and the commercial capital, Abidjan, remain under the government's control.
Although the government of Cote d'Ivoire and the rebel forces have signed an agreement to cease
hostilities, the situation has become increasingly volatile. In late November, fighting occurred in western
Cote d'Ivoire, with new rebel groups capturing the towns of Man and Danane and other areas.
In October, the Department ordered the departure of U.S. Government personnel in non-emergency
positions and family members of all U.S. Government personnel in Cote d'Ivoire. While the situation in
Abidjan and other areas outside the zones of conflict may appear calm, the situation is unpredictable, and
we urge private Americans to leave the country while space is still available on outgoing flights. The
international airport in Abidjan is currently open and operational during non-curfew hours, and airlines
continue their flights into and out of Abidjan with revised schedules. Land routes to the Ghanaian border
remain open, although they are subject to extensive delays due to roadblocks. Travel by U.S. Government
personnel outside of Abidjan is authorized only on an exceptional basis by the Ambassador. Private
Americans who remain in Abidjan despite this Travel Warning should avoid travel into the interior.
The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan may temporarily close for general business from time to time to review its
security posture. U.S. citizens who remain in Cote d'Ivoire despite this Travel Warning are urged to
register with the U.S. Embassy by calling (225) 20-21-09-79 or by fax at (225) 20-22-45-23.
| COTE d'IVOIRE (IVORY COAST) |
