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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
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This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 22 23:32:15 2005.

Chad

December 20, 2005


This Public Announcement is being issued to highlight increased tensions along the Chad-Sudan border, as well as demonstrations in the southern part of the country. This Public Announcement expires on June 15, 2006.

On December 18, heavy gunfire erupted in the Chadian border town of Adre between Chadian Government forces and unidentified rebel groups. Chadian forces repelled the attacks of the rebel groups, who fled across the border into Sudan; early reports indicate that there were more than 100 casualties between the two sides. This incident follows reports of sporadic fighting between Government Forces and different Chadian rebel elements along the Chad-Sudan border, in particular in and around military and civilian installations in the towns of Adre, Am-Nabak and Guereda. There is a strong possibility that attacks by rebel groups will continue, and possibly intensify. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has reduced its staff to an “operational minimum,” and has moved non-essential personnel to Abeche.

On November 29 and December 8, student riots broke out in the southern towns of Bongor and Pala over unpaid teacher salaries. Confrontations between the students and police resulted in a number of injuries and possibly some deaths.

U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in Eastern Chad are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans with UNHCR’s security offices in Abeche and N’Djamena, and to follow UNHCR guidance regarding safety and security. Americans not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts should avoid travel in Eastern Chad at this time. Government forces may increase roadway check points as a result of attacks on military installations in N’Djamena and Koundoul. Americans are also urged to exercise caution when traveling elsewhere in Chad and avoid large demonstrations at all times.

When traveling anywhere in the country, American citizens should travel in groups, keep a cell phone or two way radio in reach at all times, avoid travel after dusk, and leave detailed travel plans with a reliable point of contact. Americans traveling with Thurarya satellite phones should register the phones with Chadian authorities.

U.S. citizens in Chad are further strongly advised to register their presence in the country with the U.S. Department of State, and provide contact information and a specific travel route if traveling outside the capital. Registrants should use the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in N’Djamena. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency and provide updates on the security situation as necessary. The U.S. Embassy is located in N’Djamena on Avenue Felix Ebou; mailing address is B.P. 413; telephone: (235) 51-62-11, 51-70-09, 51-77-59, 51-90-52, 51-92-18, and 51-92-33; fax: (235) 51-56-54. The Embassy’s website is http://usembassy.state.gov/ndjamena.

U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's most recent Consular Information Sheet for Chad, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are located on the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.


http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2476.html

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