Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Travel Update to the Pool Region

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U.S. Embassy Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Travel Update to the Pool Region

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the ongoing security situation in the

Pool Region.  In the past week, violent attacks against vehicles, a train, security

personnel, and civilians have reportedly resulted in at least 20 deaths, multiple

injuries and one kidnapping.  There have also been incidents reported in the

Mouyondzi area of the Bouenza Region. Numerous armed robberies of vehicles

traveling on National Route 1 between Brazzaville and Mindouli have been

reported, with at least one deadly attack within 16 miles (25 km) of Brazzaville, as

well as several attacks on the new road from Brazzaville to Mindouli.

Please review the map on our website where armed confrontations have been

reported in the Pool and Bouenza districts. U.S. citizens should continue to avoid

these areas of the country if possible and exercise caution when traveling anywhere

in the vicinity. Violent incidents have been specifically reported in the Pool

Region’s administrative areas of Kinkala, Goma Tsé-Tsé, Loumou, Mayama,

Mindouli, Kindamba, and Kimba. Additional violent incidents have been reported

in the Mouyondzi area of the Bouenza Region.

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including

local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of

vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow

instructions of local authorities.

For further information:

 See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel

Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Congo.

 Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security

messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

 Contact the U.S. Embassy in Republic of Congo, located at 70-83 Boulevard

Denis Sassou Nguesso in Brazzaville at +242-06- 612-2000, 8.00 a.m. to

4.30 p.m. from Monday – Thursday; 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. on Friday.

After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is (+242) 06-612- 2010.

 Call 1-888- 407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202- 501-

4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard

Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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