Warden Security Messages
Warden Message - Security Advisory for Sudan, particularly Darfur and Southern Sudan
December 21, 2006
The United States Embassy in Khartoum advises all U.S. citizens in Sudan that the number of carjackings in Darfur by armed men has risen dramatically in the past month, and some carjacking have resulted in deaths. In one recent attack in Gereida, South Darfur, assailants seized twelve NGO vehicles from NGO compounds within an hour. On December 20 armed men attempted to seize a vehicle belonging to a U.S. contractor. Vehicles belonging to the African Union forces and to private citizens have also been seized.
Numerous incidents of violence and intimidation directed against international NGOs and their staffs have been reported in the past month, including theft of money, satellite and cell phones, and computers from NGO offices. In some cases, attackers have fired shots in NGO offices and residences. Random gunfire also has hit such locations. According to reports, an expatriate humanitarian worker in Darfur was sexually assaulted in December. In response to these recent events, many NGOs have withdrawn their personnel from Darfur.
Security conditions in Juba and the surrounding area likewise have deteriorated. In the past month in Juba town, armed men have exchanged fire, and, in a separate incident, attempted to seize a U.S. Government vehicle. Since November armed groups reportedly have raided several villages in Equatoria Province east of the Nile. The United Nations and the U.S. Embassy have declared much of eastern Equatoria a “no-go” zone.
The U.S. Embassy is concerned for the safety and well-being of all Americans in Sudan. U.S. citizens in Sudan, especially in Darfur and southern Sudan, are encouraged to take prudent steps to ensure personal safety. Americans should develop standing plans for departing areas of increasing threat if conditions warrant, and regularly evaluate their personal security practices. The ability of the U.S. Government to assist its citizens in these regions is extremely limited, so prior planning and situational awareness are key to maintaining personal safety.
All U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sudan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov, to obtain updated information on travel and security within Sudan. Citizens without Internet access may register directly with the United States Embassy in Khartoum. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum; tel. (249-183) 774-701/2/3 (outside Sudan); tel. (0183) 774-701/2/3 inside Sudan. Americans may call between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. For after-hours emergencies, please call 249-183-774-705 and leave a message for the Consular Duty Officer.