U.S. State Department Issues Travel Alert for Comoros

The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert to advise U.S. citizens traveling to the Union of the Comoros of the potential for demonstrations and civil unrest due to a severe fuel shortage across the nation. The travel alert expires Oct. 12.

The Union of Comoros is continuing to experience gasoline and diesel fuel shortages following a July 2008 termination of a sole source supply contract for the country’s fuel needs. Street demonstrations protesting the lack of fuel have occurred in Moroni, the Comoran capital, and on the island of Anjouan.

These protests are primarily directed against the Comoran government but past protests have been directed against the French and other Westerners residing in the country. Further demonstrations may occur, pending a resolution of the fuel shortages. U.S. citizens are urged to carefully consider travel to Comoros.

Fuel shortages have severely impacted the availability of transportation, as well as electricity and running water. In addition, the political and security situation in Moroni is tense and the possibility of spontaneous mob violence throughout Comoros is a concern. U.S. citizens already in Comoros are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and a low profile.

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