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Reviewed: 04 September 2009, 16:12 NZDT
Still current at:
04 February 2012
There is extreme risk to your security in the border areas with Mali, Algeria and Western Sahara due to activities of extremist groups and the risk of banditry and kidnapping. Land mines are also a threat along the border with Western Sahara. We advise against all travel to these areas.
There is high risk to your security throughout the rest of Mauritania and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel due to the threat of terrorism.
On 8 August 2009 a suicide bomb attack occurred outside the French Embassy in Nouakchott, injuring three people. On 23 June 2009 a US national was killed in Nouakchott. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for the killing. In February 2008 gunmen attacked the Israeli Embassy in Nouakchott.
New Zealanders in Mauritania are advised to exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times. Possible targets for terrorist attacks include (but are not limited to) embassies, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, tourist sites, schools and government offices.
A coup in August 2008 overthrew Mauritania’s first democratically elected President. While elections were held in July 2009 and a new President was inaugurated on 5 August 2009, further political unrest cannot be ruled out.
New Zealanders in Mauritania are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as they could turn violent with little warning. We recommend you monitor the media to keep up to date on the security situation and adhere to any instructions or restrictions imposed by the local authorities.
Because of the security situation and because there is no New Zealand diplomatic or consular representation in Mauritania, the ability of the government to assist any New Zealanders who get into trouble in Mauritania is severely limited.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Mauritania should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Mauritania are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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