Armed Attack in Malabo

February 17, 2009

The U.S. Embassy in Malabo has alerted American citizens in Equatorial Guinea that a large number of gunmen on boats initiated attacks in Malabo on February 17, 2008.  Recent reports also indicate that there has been renewed gunfire activity in the Elang Nguema area of Malabo.  All American Citizens are advised to avoid the area.  American Citizens resident in Cameroon but who have plans to travel to Equatorial Guinea should carefully consider their travel plans and if necessary contact the U.S. Embassy in Malabo for up-to-date information before traveling to the area.  Those who do decide to travel to Malabo should remain alert to their surroundings, remain cautious in their travel plans and always carry forms of official identification.  Travellers should expect increased security measures by government forces which may include additional roadblocks and unannounced identification checks. The U.S. Embassy in Malabo is located at K-3, Carretera de Aeropuerto, Al lado de Restaurante El Paraíso,Malabo, Guinea Ecuatorial; embassy tel. (240)098-895; website - http://malabo.usembassy.gov/index.html.

The Department of State maintains a website at www.travel.state.gov. http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html. that includes extensive information for Americans living overseas.  In particular, the section on International Travel for U.S. Citizens has a sub-section on Tips for Traveling Abroad that may be helpful to review at this time.  The site also has information specific to Emergencies and Crises including useful checklists and information about evacuations.  That page is accessible via:

The Embassy urges all American citizens in Cameroon to register with the Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov, or to register directly with the Embassy by e-mailing YaoundeACS@state.gov, or by telephoning the Embassy at 237-2220-1500 x4033. By registering with the Embassy, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of an emergency. Registering will also help the Embassy to put you in touch with your local American citizen warden, who can help keep you informed of developments.

The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé is located on Avenue Rosa Parks in the Mbankolo Quartier, adjacent to the Mount Febe Golf Club; mailing address P.O. Box 817; embassy tel. (237) 2220-1500, fax: (237) 2220-1572.  The Embassy Branch Office in Douala is located on the corner of Rue Ivy and Rue French in the Ecobank Building in Bonanjo, tel.: (237) 3342-5331, fax: (237) 3342-7790.