State Department cautions against travel to Rwanda

By Elise Labott
CNN State Department Producer

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell continues his travels through Africa, the State Department Wednesday warned about the dangers in northwest Rwanda and areas bordering Rwanda in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

An announcement urged U.S. citizens against travel to various cities in Rwanda after confirming reports that Rwandan government troops were engaged in fighting with insurgents in the northwest part of the country and areas bordering Rwanda and the eastern part of the Congo.

COUNTRY PROFILE At a glance: Democratic Rwanda Provided by CountryWatch.com

The advisory also urged citizens against taking organized tours of gorilla areas in the country's national park.

Additionally, the announcement urged Americans traveling to Rwanda to register with the U.S. Embassy for updated information on travel and security in the country.

The warning comes amid Powell's four-nation trip to Africa, where he is focusing on combating AIDS and other disease and fostering democracy. The situation in the Congo will be a priority as he meets with leaders in the region.

On Tuesday, Powell visited Mali. He will also travel to South Africa, Kenya and Uganda, before attending a NATO meeting in Budapest, Hungary.