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DE RUEHC #3566/01 1411537
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O 201528Z MAY 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHFSI/DIR FSINFATC
RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
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RHMFISS/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI IMMEDIATE 0523
INFO RUESBKC/ATO ASIA IMMEDIATE 1664

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 053566 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC ASEC KPAO PTER AF PREL KE
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - SOMALIA 
 
¶1.  This Travel Warning updates information on the 
unsettled security situation in Somalia and continues to 
urge American citizens not to travel to the country.  This 
supersedes the Travel Warning of November 13, 2007. 
 
¶2.  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against 
all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed 
"Republic of Somaliland," since there is no U.S. Embassy 
or other U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia. 
Consequently, the U.S. Government is not in a position to 
assist or effectively provide services to U.S. citizens in 
Somalia. 
 
¶3.  Kidnapping, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry, and 
other violent incidents and threats to U.S. citizens and 
other foreigners can occur in many regions.  Inter-clan 
and inter-factional fighting flares up with little 
warning.  Unpredictable armed conflict among rival 
militias is prevalent in southern Somalia, particularly in 
and around Mogadishu, which has resulted in the deaths of 
hundreds of Somali nationals and the displacement of 
nearly one million people.  In December 2006, Ethiopian 
military forces entered Somalia in support of the Somali 
Transitional Federal Government.  The continuing Ethiopian 
military presence and support for the Transitional Federal 
Government has heightened tensions among rival political 
and clan factions within Somalia. 
 
¶4.  The Sanaag and Sool Regions in eastern Somaliland, 
bordering on Puntland (northeastern Somalia), are subject 
to insecurity due to ongoing border disputes and inter- 
clan fighting.  There also have been several fatal attacks 
and violent kidnappings against international relief 
workers, including Westerners, throughout Somalia, 
Somaliland, and Puntland.  Lines of control in Mogadishu 
are unclear and frequently shift, making movement within 
this area extremely hazardous.  Violent riots have 
recently occurred in Mogadishu, as thousands of civilians 
protested rising food prices and the devaluation of the 
Somali currency. 
 
¶5.  Recently, insurgents and extremist elements opposed to 
the Somali government conducted hit-and-run attacks on 
several towns in central and southern Somalia, to include 
the districts of Gedo and Bay (especially the vicinity of 
Baidoa) in the south. 
 
¶6.  U.S. citizens also are urged to use extreme caution 
when sailing near the coast of Somalia.  Merchant vessels, 
fishing boats, and recreational craft all risk seizure by 
pirates and having their crews held for ransom in the 
waters off the Horn of Africa, most especially in the 
international waters near Somalia.  There have been 
numerous such incidents, highlighting the continuing 
danger of maritime travel near the Horn of Africa.  If 
transit around the Horn of Africa is necessary, it is 
strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and 
maintain good communications contact at all times. 
 
¶7.  U.S. citizens who travel to Somalia despite this 
Travel Warning are urged to register through the State 
Department's travel registration website, 
https://travelregistration.state.gov and obtain updated 
information on travel and security from the U.S. Embassies 
in neighboring countries.  Travelers to the self-declared 
"Republic of Somaliland" should register with the U.S. 
Embassy in Djibouti, and travelers to Puntland or southern 
Somalia should register with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. 
 
¶8.  The U.S. Embassy in Djibouti is located at Plateau du 
Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti City; 
 
STATE 00053566  002 OF 002 
 
 
telephone (253) 35-39-95; after-hours telephone number 
(253) 35-13-43.  The mailing address is Ambassade 
Americaine, B.P. 185, Djibouti, Republique de Djibouti, 
and their workweek is Sunday through Thursday.  The U.S. 
Embassy in Nairobi is located on United Nations Avenue, 
Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254)(20) 363-6000; 
after-hours emergencies (254)(20) 363-6170.  The mailing 
address is P.O. Box 606 Village Market 00621, Nairobi, 
Kenya. 
 
¶9.  U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of 
State's Country Specific Information for Somalia and 
Worldwide Caution, which are located on the Department's 
internet website at http://travel.state.gov.  American 
citizens may obtain up-to-date information on security 
conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the 
United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas. 
 
¶10.  Minimize considered. 
RICE