The U.S. Embassy has learned that a demonstration march will occur in Nouakchott on January 16 after afternoon prayers. The march is scheduled to begin in the area around the Saudi Mosque in Central Nouakchott and conclude in the areas around the French Embassy. It is unclear the number of participants or the intended route of the march, though it could pass by the U.S. Embassy. U.S. Embassy personnel are instructed to avoid the areas of the march. Accordingly, U.S. citizens are recommended to take the same precautions.
Remember, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid protests, or demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings.
Be sure to review your personal security plans and remain aware of your surroundings, including at 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.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mauritania enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review the “Traveler’s Checklist,” which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad, and enroll with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Follow us on Twitterand the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott is located between the Presidency building and the Spanish Embassy on Rue Abdallaye and is open Sunday-Thursday from 8:00-5:00. The phone number is 45 25 26 60. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is 36 62 81 63. In the event of an emergency that interrupts mobile phone (SMS) or Internet communication in Mauritania, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy’s dedicated Consular emergency recording at 45 25 37 07 to receive the most up-to-date instructions.
