The U.S. Embassy in Libreville advises U.S. citizens that two Danish citizens were injured in a knife attack at an artisan market in downtown Libreville on December 16. The suspect, a citizen of Niger residing in Gabon, was apprehended. An investigation is ongoing.
We take this opportunity to remind you to review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
We urge all U.S. citizens to follow personal security practices that minimize your risk of being targeted. Suggested personal security practices include:
× Varying times and routes to and from work;
× Keeping doors locked and windows closed as appropriate;
× Checking the interior and exterior of your vehicle before getting in;
× Maintaining a low personal profile by not engaging in behavior that draws attention to yourself;
× Being alert to what is going on around you;
× Ensuring that your family and colleagues are aware of your daily plans and know how to reach you;
× Attempting to leave space in traffic to maneuver or exit as necessary;
× Avoiding choke points and diversions in travel, and ensuring that family members and colleagues are aware of your precautions.
For further information:
× See the State Department’s travel website (http://travel.state.gov/) for the Worldwide Caution (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html) , Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Gabon Country Specific Information (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/gabon.html) .
× Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (https://step.state.gov/step/) (STEP (https://step.state.gov/step/) ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
× Contact the U.S. Embassy in Gabon, located in Libreville, 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. The embassy is closed on Gabonese and U.S. federal holidays. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is 241-01-07-38-01-71.
× 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).
