Ethiopia Public Announcement –Travel Warning to U.S. Citizens
This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the potential for violence in association with widespread civil disturbance in many areas of Addis Ababa. The overall security situation in the city has recently deteriorated and the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens in Ethiopia to remain alert to the possibility of further spontaneous demonstrations, which could erupt into violence when Ethiopian security forces become involved. This Public Announcement will expire on December 31, 2005.
During the period from November 1-3, 2005, many separate clashes took place in the capital city of Addis Ababa between Ethiopian security forces and demonstrators protesting the results of both the May 15 elections and the detention of major political opposition leaders. On November 1 and 2, these clashes resulted in unconfirmed estimates of more than 30 deaths and more than one hundred injured. These events have disrupted normal communications and transportation systems, and public transportation in Addis Ababa is widely unavailable. The continued heavy presence of Ethiopian military and federal police strongly suggests that the risk of localized disorder persists.
The U.S. Embassy reminds American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas affected by demonstrations and political rallies, and to exercise caution in the vicinity of any demonstrations.
The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa will continue to monitor developments and, as appropriate, will provide periodic updates on the situation on its web site. Americans living or traveling in Ethiopia are strongly urged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa or through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ethiopia. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located on Entoto Avenue in Addis Ababa; telephone (251-11) 124-2424; emergency after-hours telephone (251-11) 124-2400; fax (251-11)-124-2435; web site http://addisababa.usembassy.gov.
Updated information on travel and security for Ethiopia may be obtained from the Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 within the U.S. and Canada, or at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. U.S. citizens should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Ethiopia, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, the East Africa Public Announcement, and the travel publication A Safe Trip Abroad, all of which are available on the State Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.
