Message from the Embassy in Cote d'Ivoire

[Every so often we receive an email message from the US Embassy in
Cote d'Ivoire. We received this one today...]
Presidential elections in Cote d'Ivoire are scheduled for October 31. Due to the uncertainty in the security climate both leading up to and following the elections, the U.S Embassy in Abidjan is limiting official travel to election-related activities before and after the elections. We urge U.S. citizens to follow similar precautions.
Because of the increased possibility of unrest and violence, it is especially important for U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Cote d’Ivoire to exercise caution and to defer travel during periods of political tension. Political demonstrations in the next weeks cannot be ruled out. In the past, some political demonstrations have resulted in violence. In February 2010 several people were killed and wounded by government security forces during demonstrations.
U.S. citizens should be sure to register their presence in Cote d'Ivoire with the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan through the Internet link http://abidjan.usembassy.gov/travelregist.html. Citizens should also stay current with the media coverage of local events, be aware of their surroundings at all times, and avoid demonstrations and public gatherings.
Citizens already registered are urged to verify their travel registration
information to ensure it is current. The Embassy also asks new registrants to send personal registration data including name, email address, and cell phone number to AbjAmcit@state.gov in order to receive any security messages.
If you have questions or concerns about safety or related issues, you are encouraged to contact the consular section at the Embassy by sending an email message to the above email address for U.S. citizens. In emergencies and for urgent security matters you can call the Embassy switchboard at 225-22-49-40-00; the emergency after-hours telephone is: +225-22-49-44-50.
The U.S. Embassy is located in the Riviera Golf neighborhood of the Cocody section of Abidjan, east of the downtown area. The Embassy's postal address is 01 B.P. 1712 Abidjan 01.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found. 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 U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.