WASHINGTON, D.C., October 3, 2002—Following a Department of State travel warning and notice of an authorized departure of Embassy staff and personnel, Peace Corps has announced its suspension of programs in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa.

After lengthy discussions with Peace Corps personnel in the country and coordination with the Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez called for the suspension of programs to take place. The suspension is a precautionary step until Peace Corps can determine when it is safe to return to Côte d’Ivoire.

“It is with great sadness that I make this announcement. However, for the safety and security of Peace Corps volunteers, we must suspend our programs in Côte d’Ivoire,” said Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez.

Currently, Peace Corps headquarters staff is scheduled to depart Washington, D.C. on October 4, to begin a Transition Conference and counsel volunteers, who are temporarily housed in Accra, Ghana. As we make progress, we will update this site.