American citizen services

Consular Warden Message - February 16, 2006

Security Incidents at Lac Rose

At approximately 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11th, a U.S. Embassy employee and a friend were picnicking on the beach near Lac Rose when a Senegalese male in his 30's approached their vehicle.  He stated in English that they shouldn't keep their keys in the vehicle.  When the friend went to remove the keys, the man demanded his cell phone.  The man then produced a knife and said to get out of the car or he would kill them.  The attacker then drove off in the vehicle belonging to the friend.  No one was injured in the attack, but the vehicle and several items in it were stolen.   No arrests have been made.

Senegalese police and the French Embassy have confirmed that a French citizen was the victim of an armed assault on the beach near Lac Rose approximately three months ago.  His vehicle was stolen in a manner similar to the situation described above, but he was not injured.  There have also been reports of various armed assaults against western visitors at and near the Lac Rose area over the last year.

The U.S. Embassy recommends that all Americans who plan to travel to Lac Rose and its surrounding beaches be particularly vigilant and not travel alone.  Keep valuables stored in your vehicle out of sight, either in the trunk or covered in the vehicle.  Ensure the vehicle is locked when not in use.  Also, remember that areas frequently populated by tourists are attractive areas for thieves to operate.  Always be aware of your surroundings.  Seek shelter if you feel you are in danger. 

Please remember that the Gendarmes or Police have the responsibility to protect all persons in Senegal.  If you are the victim of an armed assault, do not confront or fight the attacker.  Once the assailant has departed the area, immediately seek shelter and contact the local police. Be as detailed as possible when describing your location to minimize delays in response time.

For information on travel in Senegal, see the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1013.html.
For information on travel in Guinea-Bissau, see the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1131.html.

Americans living or traveling in Senegal or Guinea-Bissau 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; after-hours (221) 823-4604.  The U.S. Embassy website is http://usembassy.state.gov/dakar.