The U.S. Embassy in Libreville informs U.S. citizens of the possibility of protests and demonstrations throughout Gabon in the lead up to and aftermath of the Gabonese presidential election. The election will be held on Saturday, August 27. Election results may be announced as early as the evening of Monday, August 29.
In the past, the Libreville neighborhoods of Cocotiers, N’kembo, Derriere la Prison, Sotega, Rio and Les Akebes have seen higher levels of unrest than others. Common staging areas for protest in Libreville include Rond Point de la Democratie, Rond Point de N’Kembo and Rond Point de Nzeng Ayong. During a protest on July 9, 2016, vehicles parked along the Voie Express were burned following a rally at near-by Rond Point de la Democratie.
Roads may be blocked and transportation, including commercial air travel, could be disrupted in the event of violent protests. Mobile and fixed line telecommunications could also be disrupted. Avoid unnecessary travel and remain at or close to home before and for several days after the election. Make sure you have adequate food, water, fuel and other necessary supplies for several days in case security conditions require you to stay home.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Gabon Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Gabon, located in Quartier Sabliere at 241-01-45-71-00 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is 241-01-07-82-37-86.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
