Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Libreville, Gabon (April 30, 2019)

Location:  Libreville, Gabon

Event:  In honor of Labor Day, a government-sponsored parade is expected to take place on May 1 on the Boulevard Triomphal.  Police will be deployed and traffic will be diverted away from the area of the parade.

Some civil society organizations have also announced plans to demonstrate against the government’s policies on the same day.  The latest information is that they are planning to gather in the neighborhood of Awendje.  Based on past patterns, the Embassy anticipates that demonstrators may then move to the Rio neighborhood.  Other potential gathering areas include the Martine Olabou School and the Charbonnages neighborhood.

The Embassy anticipates heavy traffic, large crowds, and police deployments in the areas around both the parade and any anti-government marches.  Embassy personnel have been advised to avoid anti-government marches and to expect significant delays when transiting the area of the parade.

Actions to Take:

  •  Avoid demonstrations.
  •  Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
  •  Monitor local media for updates
  •  Keep a low profile.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy, Libreville, Gabon

+241 01 45 71 00

Email:  LibrevilleACS@state.gov

Website:  https://ga.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Gabon Country Information:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Gabon.html

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