Warden Information (24 DEC 08)

Guinean President Conte's Death

The Government of Guinea announced yesterday that President Conte has died.  Elements of the Guinean military declared that a coup is under way, and proclaimed the dissolution of the government and the suspension of the constitution and all political and union activity until further notice.  Sierra Leone shares most of its land border with Guinea.

There have been no reports of fighting or casualties in Guinea, but the situation remains fluid and uncertain at this time.  The Embassy cautions all American citizens that the security situation in Guinea remains unpredictable. The Embassy urges Americans to defer non-essential travel near the Guinean border, to exercise extreme caution, be particularly alert to their surroundings, and to contact the Embassy should questions arise.

Americans living or traveling in Sierra Leone are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, where they can obtain up-to-date information on travel and security within Sierra Leone.  Registration may be done online, and can be done in advance of travel at http://www.travel.state.gov.  Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone.  By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  Additional Country Specific Information may be found at the Department of State website http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1016.html.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Leicester Square, Regent; tel. (232) (22) 515 000 or (232) (76) 515 000; fax (232) (22) 515 355.  For after-hours emergencies, please call (232) (76) 515 000.  The Embassy maintains a home page on the Internet at http://freetown.usembassy.gov/.

Please share this message with as many Americans as you can.