American Citizen Services

Consular Warden Message - September 14, 2006

Crime and Casamance

The U.S. Embassy in Dakar is issuing this Warden Message to inform Americans that the U.S. Embassy has noted a marked increase in petty crime in Senegal.  In addition to a general increase in petty crime, Ramadan and the “back-to-school” season have been associated with increased criminal activity in Dakar.  Incidents of burglaries, muggings and pick pocketing tend to rise this time of year due to the increased expenses surrounding these events.  American citizens are encouraged to report criminal incidents to the Consular Section by emailing consulardakar@state.gov or calling 823-4296 ext. 2204.  The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_pub_safetrip.html.

The U.S. Embassy would also like to inform Americans that the Safety and Security section of the Consular Information Sheet for Senegal will be amended to address recent events in the Casamance region of Senegal.  The new language on the Casamance will be as follows:

In the last several months, there has been a significant increase in fighting involving factions of the Casamance separatist MFDC in southern Senegal and the Senegalese military, particularly in the northern part of Ziguinchor region.  Reports of banditry in the area have also increased.  On September 1, an American was killed when her vehicle hit a newly placed mine on an unpaved road in this area.  The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid non-essential travel north of Ziguinchor in the Ziguinchor region and south of the Cap Skirring road and Highway 6.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.  Up-to-date information of safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Other Information:

Americans living or traveling in Senegal are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Senegal.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar; the mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal.  The telephone number is (221) 823-4296 ext. 2204; after-hours (221) 823-4604.  The U.S. Embassy website is http://usembassy.state.gov/dakar.