Central African Republic

This item appears on page 20 of the June 2009 issue.

The Department of State warns of the risks of traveling to the Central African Republic (CAR) and recommends against all but essential travel outside the capital, Bangui. Avoid travel to northwestern and northern CAR, particularly the areas bordering Chad, due to banditry and, despite peace accords signed in December 2008, clashes between government and rebel forces. 

The embassy recommends that Americans traveling outside the capital not travel with an armed escort, as such may cause problems with local authorities or draw fire from rebel troops.