PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

CHAD

July 29, 2004

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to recent violence in two refugee camps, and to new travel permit requirements in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad. This Public Announcement expires on October 27, 2004.

On July 15 and 16, 2004, violence broke out at two refugee camps in Farchana and Breidjing, including attacks on foreign humanitarian aid workers. Humanitarian aid workers are strongly encouraged to coordinate their efforts in eastern Chad with the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in the capital city of N'Djamena, and the field security office in the eastern town of Abeche.

The government of Chad requires all individuals traveling to or resident in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad to obtain permits. The government of Chad also requires individuals traveling to these areas to register in Abeche.

U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

Americans living or traveling in Chad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Chad. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Registration enables the Embassy or Consulate to contact American citizens in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in N'Djamena on Avenue Felix Eboue; mailing address is B.P. 413; telephone (235) 51-62-11, 51-70-09, 51-77-59, 51-90-52, 51-92-18 and 51-92-33, fax (235) 51-56-54. The Embassy's website is http://usembassy.state.gov/ndjamena.