Warden Message
September 24, 2009

Security Update - Meskel

The U.S. Embassy takes this opportunity to inform U.S. citizens of events surrounding the upcoming Meskel holiday.  On the evening of Saturday, September 26, Meskel square will host a large celebration with fireworks.  Starting at 1:00 p.m. roads leading into the square will be closed and traffic will be heavy.  It is recommended that the Meskel square area and all roads leading into it be avoided from Saturday afternoon until approximately 8:30 p.m. Saturday evening.

U.S. citizens should review their personal safety and security posture and remain vigilant.  Be cautious when frequenting prominent public places and landmarks, especially large crowded venues with poor access control and security screening.  Avoid public markets such as the Merkato in Addis Ababa, and avoid public transportation whenever possible.  Beware of unattended baggage or packages left in any location, including in minibuses and taxis.

 The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the cities of Harar and Jijiga, including the surrounding areas, and the Somali Region of Ethiopia.  U.S. Embassy staff requires advance permission to travel to Harar, Jijiga, and the Somali Region due to ongoing security concerns in the area.  U.S. citizens in those areas and the nearby East Hararge Region have received increased scrutiny.  U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in these areas are advised to avoid public gatherings and public places, including hotels, and should avoid using public transportation and transportation hubs. 

American citizens are strongly urged to review all the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Ethiopia on the Department’s website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1113.html.  The Embassy’s recent warden messages are available at: http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/service.html.

For the latest security information, American citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays.)

The U.S. Embassy is located at Entoto Road, P.O. Box 1014, in Addis Ababa.  American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Consular Section at 251-11-517-4000.  Our email address is consacs@state.gov and our website is http://addisababa.usembassy.gov/.