The U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone is monitoring reports of gunshots and explosions in the vicinity of the Wilberforce Barracks. The Government of Sierra Leone has instituted a nationwide curfew. The U.S. Embassy has instructed staff to shelter in place and monitor local media and government reports.
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 26 November, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Events, News
Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. U.S. citizens should: Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive information and …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 20 October, 2023 | Topics: Alert
Sierra Leone is scheduled to hold elections on June 24, 2023. Campaigning for local and national offices officially starts Tuesday, May 23. Election-related demonstrations and rallies regularly take place in the runup to the election and at times will block key intersections and cause traffic jams. Large crowds may occasionally be violent, requiring police intervention. …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 23 May, 2023 | Topics: Alert
Effective immediately, all inbound and outbound passengers from international airports in Sierra Leone are required to pay a $25 airport security fee prior to travel. Payment can be made online at http://securipass.sl/ , via Orange Money or Afrimoney, or at any branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA) or Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB). ASSISTANCE: U.S. …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 12 September, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens
Heavy rains throughout the day have caused landslides and major flooding in the Freetown area. Please use caution if you must go out and avoid standing and moving water when driving. If you are in an area prone to flooding, take appropriate measures. ASSISTANCE: U.S. Embassy Freetown (232) 99 105 500 Consularfreetown@state.gov State Department – Consular …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 29 August, 2022 | Topics: Alert
Groups have formed in multiple areas in Freetown, including Waterloo and downtown near the seaport. Use caution today and over the weekend as you move around the city. ASSISTANCE: U.S. Embassy Freetown (232) 99 105 500 Consularfreetown@state.gov State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747, 202-501-4444 Sierra Leone Country Specific Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts Follow us on Facebook and …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 24 August, 2022 | Topics: Alert
There are ongoing clashes between protestors and the SLP at multiple locations including Lungi, East End, and Downtown. Tear gas has been fired at multiple locations and arrests are being made. Exercise increased caution if you are transiting the city. ASSISTANCE: U.S. Embassy Freetown (232) 99 105 500 Consularfreetown@state.gov State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747, 202-501-4444 Sierra Leone Country Specific Information Enroll …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 10 August, 2022 | Topics: Alert
Location: Worldwide Event: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Monkeypox in Multiple Countries . The World Health Organization has determined the multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern ( click here to view the WHO’s determination). Actions to Take: · Travelers should AVOID : o Close contact with …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 8 August, 2022 | Topics: Alert
There is much chatter around town and on social media concerning Monday, August 8 and potential protests/demonstrations/strikes. Due to this, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) are deploying additional forces to strategic locations throughout Freetown on Monday. There have been no official demonstration requests submitted to the SLP and no specific locations have been identified for …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 5 August, 2022 | Topics: Alert
On July 31, 2022, the United States conducted a precision counterterrorism strike in Afghanistan that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s deputy and successor as leader of al-Qa’ida. Al- Zawahiri was one of the masterminds of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and had continued to urge his followers to attack …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 3 August, 2022 | Topics: Alert
June is LGBTQ Pride Month – and an opportunity to recognize the human rights and dignity of all people. We were happy to meet June 23 with representatives of Sierra Leone’s Dignity Association. Pictured: (l-r) Political Counselor Paul Stucky, Dignity Country Coordinator Hudson Tucker, Charge d’Affaires Nathan Holt, and Dignity member Emmanuel Kemoh.
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 23 June, 2022 | Topics: Alert
Location: Countrywide Event: As of June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded. Starting at 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer require air travelers to show …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 14 June, 2022 | Topics: Alert
There is an ongoing disruption with commercial transportation as many drivers are striking. If you are on the road, exercise additional caution as clashes between drivers and police may occur and roads may become blocked. Additional information: U.S. Embassy Freetown (232) 99 105 500 Consularfreetown@state.gov State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747, 202-501-4444 Sierra Leone Country Specific Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 28 March, 2022 | Topics: Alert
All adult (18 years and older) American citizens in Sierra Leone are cordially invited to attend a Town Hall Meeting at the U.S. Embassy, Southridge, Hill Station, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Adult American citizens must present their U.S. passport to be admitted to the meeting. Cellular telephones, cameras, laptop computers …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 1 March, 2022 | Topics: Alert
U.S. Embassy Freetown will host a blood drive to support the Sierra Leone National Blood Bank on Monday, February 14th from 9am to 4pm. Please RSVP at ConsularFreetown@State.gov if you are interested in donating blood. Additional information: U.S. Embassy Freetown (232) 99 105 500 Consularfreetown@state.gov State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747, 202-501-4444 Sierra Leone Country Specific Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts Follow …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 2 February, 2022 | Topics: Alert
Registering to Vote and submitting a ballot is fast, easy, and can be done from anywhere in the world! Start by confirming your voter registration with your state. Some states require absentee voters to register annually so you may need to re-register. Go to FVAP.gov to connect to your state’s voter portal to register to vote, …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 18 January, 2022 | Topics: Alert
Location: U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone Event: The Government of Sierra Leone is providing Astra Zeneca vaccinations in an outdoor space provided by U.S. Embassy Freetown on a first come basis on September 2 and 3 at 9:00AM. In addition to Sierra Leonean citizens, other nationalities, including American citizens are also invited to receive vaccinations at this time. Please bring …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 1 September, 2021 | Topics: Alert
The Embassy of the United States of America Freetown, Sierra Leone If you are overseas and your passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until December 31, 2021. You qualify for this exception if all the following are true: You are a …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 25 May, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens
Location: The area of western rural Freetown which includes Hamilton, Mambo Village, and Tokeh, River No. 2 and Mama beaches, Sierra Leone Event: On Saturday, December 12 the re-run parliamentary elections will be held for constituency 110. U.S. Embassy Freetown recommends maintaining awareness. This recommendation is being given out of an abundance of caution and the potential …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 9 December, 2020 | Topics: Alert, Events, News, Security & Emergency Messages
The Embassy of the United States of America Freetown, Sierra Leone The state of Georgia will hold a special senate runoff election on January 5, 2021. If you are registered to vote in Georgia, you should have automatically received your ballot already. If you have not yet registered, visit https://www.fvap.gov/georgia to both register and request a …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 30 November, 2020 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone (October 4, 2020) Location: Central Freetown and Makeni, Sierra Leone Event: Former President Ernest Bai Koroma will be questioned by the Anti-Corruption Commission on Monday, October 5. Street closures and spontaneous demonstrations are possible. U.S. Embassy personnel have been advised to avoid the area and remain alert while travelling. Actions to Take: Avoid the areas that may be affected by this event which include, …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 4 October, 2020 | Topics: Alert, U.S. Citizen Services
Event: Repatriation Flight to the United States, June 9, 2020 Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) A special charter flight is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2020 from Freetown to Dulles Airport, Virginia. Passengers will be responsible for their own transportation from the arrival airport to their final destinations. American citizens and legal permanent residents who wish to …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 2 June, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Event: Register for Possible Repatriation Flight to the United States Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) The U.S. Embassy is exploring the option of a repatriation flight to the United States to depart in early June. U.S. citizens and LPRs who would like to return to the United States should use the online request form to register their interest. Each …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 27 May, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Event: 585 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) On May 21, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health confirmed 585 cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone’s border closures remain in effect and commercial flight operations continue to be suspended. We do not anticipate additional repatriation flights from Sierra Leone …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 22 May, 2020 | Topics: Alert
May 1, 2020 Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: Nationwide Lockdown, Sunday to Tuesday, May 3-5 There will be a nationwide lockdown from Sunday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 5. All individuals in Sierra Leone are required to stay at home during this three-day period. The National Cleaning Day scheduled for Saturday, May 2 has been cancelled …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 1 May, 2020 | Topics: Alert
April 29, 2020 Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone Event: A violent confrontation has been reported near Pademba Road Prison (approximately 1.5 km east of the National Stadium) today, April 29. Expect increased police presence in the area and traffic congestion. Actions to Take: Avoid the area of central Freetown. Monitor local media for updates. Avoid crowds. …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 29 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: ASKY Special Flight on April 19, 2020; Pay by April 16 The U.S Embassy in Freetown is working to facilitate a special flight through Satguru Travel Agency for U.S. citizens and those eligible to travel to or transit through the U.S. U.S visa holders are eligible to purchase tickets on …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 14 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Action: Submit registration information for repatriation flight, April 10 The U.S. Embassy is organizing a special repatriation flight to the U.S. on April 10, expected to depart in the early afternoon. Specific details on the flight will be sent to confirmed passengers. The Embassy cannot guarantee that future flights will be available. If you are interested in returning to …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 7 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Action: Submit registration information for possible repatriation flights The U.S. Embassy in Freetown is continuing to work to organize repatriation flights to the United States. If you are interested in returning to the United States on a repatriation flight, you must complete the required information requested in the travel request form . Please include all requested information. Each …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 6 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: Nationwide Lockdown, Sunday to Tuesday, April 5-7, Repatriation Flight Scheduled Sierra Leone has recorded its first cases of COVID-19. President Bio declared a state of emergency and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team. There will be a nationwide lockdown on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, April 5-7. All individuals in …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 3 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: Nationwide Lockdown, Sunday to Tuesday, April 5-7, Repatriation Flight April 10 Sierra Leone has recorded its first cases of COVID-19. President Bio declared a state of emergency and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team. There will be a nationwide lockdown on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, April 5-7. All individuals …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 2 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: Nationwide Lockdown, Sunday to Tuesday, April 5-7 Sierra Leone has recorded its first cases of COVID-19. President Bio declared a state of emergency and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team. There will be a nationwide lockdown on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, April 5-7. All individuals in …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 1 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: Repatriation Flight on April 10, 2020; Purchase Ticket by April 6 READ ENTIRE NOTICE Sierra Leone has recorded its first case of COVID-19. President Bio declared a state of emergency and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team. Please monitor local media sources for information on forthcoming restrictions that …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 1 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: The Government of Sierra Leone has announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. President Bio has declared a state of emergency for Sierra Leone and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team. Please monitor local media sources for information on forthcoming restrictions that will be …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 31 March, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: Evacuation Flight leaving Freetown on March 30, 2020 There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. We recognize this has been a challenging period for many of our fellow Americans, particularly those of you seeking to depart Sierra Leone …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 29 March, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. President Bio has declared a state of emergency for Sierra Leone. Please monitor local media sources for information on forthcoming restrictions that will be put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The U.S. Embassy will send updates as …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 27 March, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Freetown (March 26, 2020) Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. We recognize this has been a challenging period for many of our fellow Americans, particularly those of you seeking to depart Sierra Leone after …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 26 March, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Freetown (March 26, 2020) Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event: There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. We recognize this has been a challenging period for many of our fellow Americans, particularly those of you seeking to depart Sierra Leone after …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 23 March, 2020 | Topics: Alert, Exclude All
By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 20 March, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone Event: The government of Sierra Leone has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Sierra Leone has implemented mandatory quarantine for travelers who are traveling from countries with confirmed cases …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 17 March, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Guinean Embassy, Freetown Event: Guinean Legislative elections The Guinean legislative elections and constitutional referendum are scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 1. On February 22, the Guinean Embassy in Freetown was attacked by Guinean nationals resulting in material damage to the building and one dead. The Guinean Embassy will be used as a …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 28 February, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Fourah Bay College, Freetown Event: Sources in the area of Fourah Bay College are reporting there are violent confrontations at the school, and an increased number of police maintaining order is expected. An enlarged security presence and continued confrontations will likely congest traffic on the main road leading through the college and could present …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 29 January, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Brookfields, Freetown Event: Reports indicate there are currently violent confrontations between APC and SLPP supporters near APC headquarters in Brookfields. U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid the area today. Additionally, there is an increased amount of police in the area tasked with maintaining order. Expect the increased personnel and confrontations to congest traffic …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 14 January, 2020 | Topics: Alert
Location: Sierra Leone Event: Heightened Middle East Tensions There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad. The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed. Actions to Take: Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 9 January, 2020 | Topics: Alert
The U.S. Department of State annually reviews and reissues travel advisories for every country. The information is provided to help travelers assess the risks of international travel and know what steps to take to ensure their safety while traveling. The travel advisory for Sierra Leone, reissued today, remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 16 December, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Location: Near Fourah Bay College, Mount Aureol, Freetown Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place today, at or near Fourah Bay College related to student elections. US government personnel are advised to avoid roads to and from Fourah Bay College until after 4:00 pm local time. Actions to Take: Avoid the area. Monitor local media for updates. …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 30 October, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Location: Government Center, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone US Embassy, Southridge/Hill Station, Freetown, Sierra Leone Other Diplomatic Missions, Freetown, Sierra Leone Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place today, September 19, 2019. Reports on social media and on the radio are reporting there are planned demonstrations at the State House, U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic missions. …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 19 September, 2019 | Topics: Alert
In a public notice dated August 20, the Bank of Sierra Leone announced a prohibition on conducting business in foreign currency. The notice applies to both quoting prices and making payments in any currency other than Leones (Le), and references the Bank of Sierra Leone Act of 2019. The prohibition went into effect immediately, …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 30 August, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Location: APC headquarters and Government Center-area in Freetown, Sierra Leone Event: Violent confrontations currently reported between APC supporters and the police at the APC headquarters. Additionally, there is an increased amount of police in both areas tasked with maintaining order. Expect the increased security personnel and confrontations to congest traffic in central Freetown. Actions to …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 31 May, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Location: Freetown, Countrywide Event: Independence Day celebrations will take place over the extended holiday weekend. Expect crowded conditions at public events. Actions to Take: Avoid Crowds Be Aware of Your Surroundings Monitor Local Media for updates Assistance: U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone +(232) 99100 5000 +(232) 99905029 (after hours) consularfreetown@state.gov U.S. Embassy Freetown Website State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 26 April, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Demonstrations related to political events in Sierra Leone are planned for the central business district of Freetown from December 29-31, 2018. Gloucester Street, Wallace Johnson Street, Shaika Steven Street, Lamaina Sankoh Street and the State Avenue area are expected to be affected by the demonstrations. Expect traffic congestion and an increased police presence in the area to …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 31 December, 2018 | Topics: Alert
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone (December 8-9, 2018) Location: Bureh Beach Event: December 8 to December 9, 2018, a Sierra Leone political organization is hosting a large beach party. As with any large gathering, there is a risk of increased petty crime, including pickpocketing. If travelling south of Freetown, exercise caution and …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 7 December, 2018 | Topics: Alert
Location: Moriba Village (Southeast of Bo, Southern Region), Sierra Leone Event: Local authorities have notified the Embassy of continuing protests in the area of Moriba Village in the southern region of Sierra Leone. The protests are related to an ongoing strike at the Sierra Rutile mine. Roads may be blocked. A Town Hall meeting was …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 23 November, 2018 | Topics: Alert
Locations: Lumley and Juba areas of Freetown Event: Civil disorder is expected to continue in Lumley and Juba this evening, Tuesday, November 6, 2018. There is a large police and military presence in these areas. U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid these areas. Actions to take: – Avoid Lumley and Juba neighborhoods – Monitor local media …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 6 November, 2018 | Topics: Alert
Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone (January 25-26, 2018) Location: Announced gathering points include, but are not limited to, the following neighborhoods in Freetown, Sierra Leone: Freetown, Downtown National Electoral Commission Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place on January 25 and 26, 2018 beginning at 9 a.m. On the 25th, Sierra …
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By U.S. Embassy Freetown | 24 January, 2018 | Topics: Alert