Warden Security Messages
May 11, 2008
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the continuing threat of armed conflict in Khartoum, Omdurman and the surrounding areas. The Department of State continues to warn against all travel to Sudan.
On Saturday, May 10, armed rebels engaged Sudanese forces in extensive fighting in Omdurman, a suburb of Khartoum. The Sudanese government has deployed additional security forces throughout the capital and the surrounding region in response to these activities. Numerous armed checkpoints limit vehicular movement within the capital area, and travelers may be subject to identification checks. Commercial flights to and from Khartoum airport remain intermittent.
American citizens who choose to travel to Sudan despite the existing Travel Warning, and those currently in Sudan, should review their security posture and take appropriate precautions. Additionally, American citizens already in Sudan should monitor news reports and keep sufficient provisions on hand to sustain themselves for several days should the need arise.
U.S. citizens are reminded that the Department of State continues to warn against all travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur area, where violence between government forces and various armed militias continues. Americans and other westerners have been victims of carjacking and armed robbery while traveling in Sudan. Land travel at night should be avoided.
U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sudan despite the existing Travel Warning should register their presence in Sudan with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of State's website,http://travel.state.gov, to obtain updated information regarding travel and security within Sudan. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
On Monday, May 12, embassy operations will remain limited, and only emergency American citizen services will be provided. The U.S. Embassy is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum; tel. (249-183)774-700/1/2/3 (outside Sudan); tel (0183) 774-700/1/2/3 (inside Sudan). Americans may call between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or email: KhartoumConsular_DL@state.gov. For after-hours emergencies, please call 0-183-774-700 and ask to be connected to the duty officer.