Americans warned against travel to Ivory Coast

WASHINGTON, Nov 7 (AFP) – The United States on Sunday warned its citizens against travel to Ivory Coast, citing a “volatile” security situation throughout the country and a high risk of violence against foreigners.

“There have been numerous and on-going violent incidents in Abidjan that have been directed against people of non-Ivorian appearance, specific diplomatic missions, and foreign military and international peacekeeping operations,” the US State Department said in a statement.

“The department continues to urge US citizens to defer non-essential travel to Cote d’Ivoire,” the State Department said.

“Anti-foreign attacks have resulted in serious injuries to persons and property.

Individuals have been pulled from vehicles, businesses and schools entered, looted and burned, and families harassed,” the State Department said.

US government personnel were told to stay home for the time being, the statement said, adding that the US embassy in Abidjan may close sporadically as Washington reviews the security situation.

The warning follows an attack on French forces Saturday that left nine French soldiers and a US citizen dead.

© AFP

Subject: French News