U.S. Embassy Dakar Warden Message: Election-Related Violence

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy – Dakar
February 22, 2007

This Warden Message is being issued to advise American citizens of violence in association with Senegal’s upcoming presidential election, and of special travel restrictions on Sunday, February 25, 2007.Senegal is scheduled to hold a presidential election on Sunday, February 25, 2007. In the past two weeks, various political parties have had violent confrontations throughout Senegal.
On the evening of Wednesday, February 21, two political parties had a violent confrontation in the Mermoz area of Dakar; several people were gravely injured and several vehicles were destroyed. A popular expatriate restaurant, Le Regal, was seriously damaged by an uncontrolled mob. The U.S. Embassy expects that this type of violence could continue and worsen once the news media reports election results.

Due to the likelihood for violence before, on and after Sunday, February 25, American citizens should avoid unnecessary movements, including within cities, particularly after 2:00 p.m. for the next two weeks. The U.S. Embassy will remain open for normal operations. American citizens should always avoid any large crowds, particularly political gatherings and street demonstrations, and maintain heightened security awareness at all times.

Although the official campaign season ends on Friday, the Government of Senegal has prohibited non-election related travel between towns on February 25. Also on February 25, the Government of Senegal will forbid people from wearing clothing indicating their support for an individual candidate or that displays by its colors an obvious party affiliation. There is also a possibility that the Government will impose a curfew on Saturday, February 24, in the late evening.