Abidjan , Ivory Coast ( CNN ) -- The U.S. Embassy consular section in Abidjan may reopen Monday , but it initially will provide limited services , according to the State Department . The department continues to warn American citizens against traveling to Ivory Coast despite the arrest of former President Laurent Gbagbo , who defied calls to step down after an electoral commission declared he lost a presidential election in November to Alassane Ouattara . A violent power struggle followed the standoff , with supporters loyal to both sides taking to the streets in protests since December . Hundreds have been killed , according to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross . Ouattara has been recognized internationally as the legitimate winner . `` Contacting the Consular Section before making a visit would be prudent under the circumstances , '' the State Department said in a statement Thursday . `` We need to reiterate that because of the conditions in the country , the Embassy has severely diminished capacity to assist U.S. citizens and that in the event of a temporary flare-up in violence sheltering in place is often your best option . '' The statement claims there are continued reports of lawlessness in various neighborhoods of Abidjan , the nation 's largest city and commercial center .
Consular personnel expected to arrive on or about Monday . State Department continues to warn against travel to Ivory Coast . Statement that there are continued reports of lawlessness in Liberia .