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: When traveling in "Third World" countries, always keep a copy of the U.S. Embassy's phone number with your passport. If you are injured and need emergency help, asking local people who don't speak English to "call the American Embassy" without providing a phone number will usually produce no results and waste precious time. Consular officials can be instrumental in securing assistance in an emergency.
(filed on January 31, 2000)
: The U.S. State Department has warned of a threat of terrorist attacks on Americans attending holiday gatherings through January, possibly timed to coincide with Ramadan, which ends early next month. Citing "credible information," the announcement advises travelers to avoid large gatherings and keep a low profile. Of biggest concern are New Year's events in the Middle East, but the warning is not limited to the Middle East. The threat is believed to come from Osama bin Laden.
(filed on December 13, 1999)
: New Year's Advisory: As we head into the long-awaited rollover to the year 2000, warnings of terrorist attacks have proliferated. The arrest of an Algerian trying to smuggle bomb-making supplies into the U.S. from Canada suggests that the warnings are not simple cautions, but based on real evidence. Wherever you go for New Year's and in the coming months, keep abreast of political developments so you can make informed choices about your travels.
(filed on December 20, 1999)
: Islamic areasThe holy month of Ramadan began December 8. Religious observance requires Muslims to fast during daylight hours, and in some places, depending on how strictly the holiday is observed, it may be hard for visitors to find a meal during the day. Be respectful and plan accordingly.
(filed on December 6, 1999)
: Islamic areasU.N. sanctions imposed on Afghanistan for failing to turn over Osama bin Laden have raised concerns that Islamic militants may launch attacks against American facilities. Protests have occurred in Afghanistan, and six explosions occurred simultaneously Nov. 12 in Islamabad, Pakistan near diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy and American Cultural Center. For now it is prudent to minimize contact with official U.S. institutions in countries where anti-American activity has been common.
(filed on November 15, 1999)
: Islamic areasThe Middle East conflict has had ramifications throughout the Muslim world, and travelers should be aware that further developments could affect their plans. In Indonesia, radicals have threatened to kill Israelis who refuse to leave the country, and have been patrolling the airport in Jakarta. In Mauritania, there have been reports that a group of three men traveling from Senegal planned to kidnap an American. In Kenya, Muslims in Mombasa threatened to protest American involvement in the Middle East. Stay abreast of developments and steer clear of demonstrations.
(filed on October 16, 2000)
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Africa : AfricaThe American embassies in Gambia, Liberia, Madagascar, Namibia, Senegal and Togo were temporarily closed June 24 because of reports that they had been under surveillance by "suspicious individuals." All but the Madagascar Embassy were reopened June 28. State Department officials further reported that Osama bin Laden's network was in the final stages of planning terrorist attacks against U.S. facilities and urged Americans overseas to remain vigilant about their personal security. These six embassies in Africa received security upgrades after last year's bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, and received further security improvements during the recent closures. Embassies worldwide are on heightened alert because of the ongoing terrorist threat posed by bin Laden. Consider minimizing contact with U.S. facilities, especially in Africa.
(filed on July 6, 1999)
Africa : AlgeriaAlgeria has been plagued by violence the last several years, but in the past two months protests by Berbers in the northeastern Kabyle region have spun out of control and threaten to inflame resentment against the government nationwide. Demonstrations have been banned but are planned to go on, and further unrest is likely. Avoid travel outside the city of Algiers; within the city, stay in large hotels that provide adequate security.
(filed on June 26, 2001)
Africa : AlgeriaA national election that many hoped would signal a beginning to a resolution of the civil conflict that has killed tens of thousands in recent years lost its promise when all opposition candidates withdrew at the last minute in protests over fraud charges. The election went ahead as planned April 15 with the only candidate, the ruling party's man, winning. With so many people feeling disenfranchised, the election is unlikely to improve the political or security situation.
(filed on April 19, 1999)
Africa : AlgeriaA national election that many hoped would signal a beginning to a resolution of the civil conflict that has killed tens of thousands in recent years lost its promise when all opposition candidates withdrew at the last minute in protests over fraud charges. The election went ahead as planned April 15 with the only candidate, the ruling party's man, winning. With so many people feeling disenfranchised, the election is unlikely to improve the political or security situation.
(filed on April 24, 1999)
Africa : AlgeriaThe 31 European tourists in seven groups who disappeared in southern Algeria trying to cross the Sahara Desert from February through April have all been abducted and are alive, according to government officials. The travelers are evidently being held in a camp in the region of Illizi, near the Libyan border. Their abductors have been variously described as smugglers, Islamic insurgents and terrorists. Travel through these sparsely populated regions is difficult and dangerous because of such political risks and the harsh conditions of the desert.
(filed on May 7, 2003)
Africa : AlgeriaThe recent disappearance of eight Austrian travelers in the Sahara desert brings to 29 the number of European tourists who have vanished since February between the cities of Ouargla and Tamanrasset and the towns of Illizi and Djanet in the far south of Algeria. None of the disappearances have been solved, but smugglers and drug traffickers are known to operate in the area and officials fear that the tourists may have been kidnapped. The disappearances could be due instead to the harsh environment, the difficulty of staying on a given route and the high likelihood of vehicle breakdown. It is easy to get lost, and hard to be found, in the Sahara’s expanses. But the 29 missing adventurers were traveling in six separate groups, and it is unlikely that so many groups would get lost in the span of about six weeks.
(filed on April 15, 2003)
Africa : AlgeriaAn attempt to end more than seven years of civil war is being vigorously opposed by a guerrilla faction intent on overthrowing the government. A referendum to approve a peace plan between the government and Islamic moderates is scheduled for mid-September, but the militants continue to spread terror among the populace, most recently murdering 14 people in Medea province Aug. 27. Most violence since the peace deal was signed in June has been in isolated areas, but it would be prudent to defer travel here until the referendum has been held.
(filed on August 30, 1999)
Africa : AlgeriaA general amnesty put in place last year
brought hopes that the political violence that has
produced 100,000 deaths since 1992 would end, but
recent massacres of students and bus travelers
suggest that the troubles are far from over.
During the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which is
drawing to a close, some 140 people have been
killed. Most of the recent violence has occurred
outside the city of Algiers, but travel to the
city should be undertaken with caution.
(filed on December 19, 2000)
Africa : BurundiThe U.S. Embassy has prohibited its personnel from flying into or out of the capital city of Bujumbura during the hours of darkness because of uncertain security conditions. The Embassy works with a reduced staff, restricts personnel from traveling outside the capital and prohibits family members from accompanying personnel assigned to Burundi. Travel here is risky.
(filed on February 8, 2000)
Africa : BurundiTrouble is increasing in Burundi, where on Dec. 4 rebels warned foreigners to leave the country and fired on a passenger plane landing at the international airport in Bujumbura, the capital. Two people were injured aboard the plane. A curfew is in effect in the city from midnight to 5 a.m., and the U.S. Government prohibits its personnel from flying in and out of the city after dark because of the heightened risk of violence at the airport at that time. Rebel groups are active in the Great Lakes region, and travel to the area should be avoided.
(filed on December 12, 2000)
Africa : BurundiBurundi, troubled by civil war since 1993, is becoming more unstable, and non-essential travel to this African nation is not recommended. There has been an increase in fighting and mortar attacks in the vicinity of Bujumbura, the capital, and violent incidents on major roads around the country. Gunfire in the capital has caused many deaths and injuries. The government maintains a curfew in Bujumbura but those hours change from time to time, so be sure to keep up with alterations in curfew schedules.
(filed on July 14, 2003)
Africa : BurundiFighting between Hutu rebels and
government forces has been raging for more than
two weeks in Bujumbura, the capital. A curfew is
in effect from 8 p.m. to dawn. The worst of the
conflict has occurred in the districts of Kinama
and Ngagara. The current fighting represents the
biggest offensive in the capital in years. Some
200,000 people, most of them civilians, have been
killed in the conflict now seven years old.
(filed on March 6, 2001)
Africa : CameroonPetty crimes such as robbery and vehicle theft are the most common here, sometimes with violence. Armed banditry is a growing problem throughout the country and consequently, security personnel routinely establish random checkpoints and check travel documents. Keep a copy of your passport, driver’s license and vehicle registration if driving in a secure location in case of theft. Carjackings occur frequently, especially in Yaounde and Douala, but also occasionally on rural highways. Travel after dark should be avoided.
(filed on October 8, 2002)
Africa : Central African RepublicThe U.S. Embassy has suspended operations here and no consular services are available to Americans. Those needing emergency assistance must contact the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon or N'djamena, Chad. Peacekeeping troops have calmed the situation in Bangui, but rebels hold portions of the north and central parts of the country and could again threaten the capital.
(filed on February 19, 2003)
Africa : Central African RepublicThe State Department has ordered U.S. Government personnel to depart the country because of continued fighting in the capital city of Bangui between rebels and government forces. The U.S. Embassy has suspended operations, and the international airport is closed.
(filed on November 6, 2002)
Africa : CongoNew currency regulations prohibit anyone from possessing foreign currency, including visitors. Travelers must declare their foreign funds on arrival and have three business days to deposit them in bank-run exchange houses. Whether these funds can be reconverted upon departure is unclear, so it's best to carry as little cash as possible.
(filed on October 4, 1999)
Africa : CongoCiting government atrocities, Congo's main rebel group threatened to abandon the peace pact it signed two months ago and renew its insurgent war. The group's main backers, Rwanda and Uganda, are trying to keep the peace plan intact. Whether they're successful or not, tension will remain high in this troubled country. Defer non-essential travel here.
(filed on November 15, 1999)
Africa : CongoBoth countries that carry this name have been suffering a combination of civil war, economic collapse and general lawlessness in recent years. The civil war in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) has ended and a peace process is underway, but the U.S. has no diplomatic presence here (the U.S. Embassy suspended operations in June, 1997). Security in the capital has improved significantly, however.
Civil war still plagues the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), and the political and security situation is unstable. The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, which also handles affairs for the Republic of Congo, has imposed curfews on all its employees to reduce the possibility of detention by police. Travel here should be avoided.
(filed on May 8, 2000)
Africa : CongoThe second outbreak of ebola hemorrhagic fever in the past 15 months is occurring in the districts of Mbomo and Kellé in the Cuvette Ouest region in the northwest. This area includes the popular Odzala National Park, which is now closed. The area is being quarantined.
(filed on March 5, 2003)
Africa : Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire)Optimistic park officials hope that Virunga
National Park in northeastern Congo, near Goma,
will reopen soon, but it's hard to imagine that
many visitors will be eager to go until security
can be assured. Tourism officials and wildlife
guides face an uphill struggle with news that the
civil war, which has abated but could reignite any
time, has caused the deaths of 2 1/2 million
people. Officials believe that the area around the
park is now secure, but there have been ongoing
problems with local militias in the area, and much
of the park's infrastructure was destroyed during
the war. It may be years before the gorillas and
other wildlife in the park are accessible to
tourists.
(filed on May 8, 2001)
Africa : Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire)Crime is escalating in Kinshasa as the holiday season approaches, and expatriates and diplomats are often the target. The perpetrators seem to be Congolese military personnel who haven't been paid or who are paid only sporadically. In a Nov. 22 incident, two Americans and a British national were attacked in their home by seven armed men, beaten, robbed, and one was shot in the leg.
(filed on November 27, 2001)
Africa : Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire)A cease-fire agreement to end the long civil war here was signed July 10 by all of the principal players in the conflict except the rebels trying to overthrow Laurent Kabila's government. Until the rebels are on board there's little hope that the cease-fire will hold.
(filed on July 12, 1999)
Africa : East AfricaIn the wake of the attacks on an Israeli-owned hotel and charter aircraft in Mombasa, Kenya, the U.S. State Department announced that it had information, thus far unconfirmed, that similar attacks could occur in Djibouti. The State Department is also concerned that the threat of terrorism has increased throughout East Africa and encourages travelers to consider these issues when deciding to travel to the region. In view of the coordinated bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, this concern would seem to be well placed.
(filed on December 4, 2002)
Africa : East AfricaThe absence of terrorist attacks during the war in Iraq was a surprise to many observers, but now it seems there are warnings everywhere. The U.S., British, Australian and New Zealand governments have warnings about many countries throughout the world ranging from the Middle East and Africa to Southeast Asia. Saudi officials warn that an attack in the U.S. is a strong possibility.
Kenya is the main focus of concern in East Africa, but worries exist for other countries in the region. The U.S. State Department warns against non-essential travel to Kenya, citing threats against Western interests and especially the targeting of commercial aircraft. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office also warns against travel to Kenya, and British Airways suspended flights in and out of the country, much to the dismay of Kenyan officials. Israel’s El Al also suspended flights to Kenya. All are concerned about the threat of shoulder-fired missile attacks on aircraft. Kenyan authorities have stated that they have implemented strict security measures at airports, on the borders, in and around hotels, resorts and national parks, and are working closely with foreign security agencies and British authorities to further strengthen security.
(filed on May 21, 2003)
Africa : East AfricaHeavy rains have produced flooding and mudslides in many areas of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. More than 100 people have been killed in Burundi and Kenya, and thousands displaced. Three bridges were washed out near Nairobi, threatening to close the Nairobi-Muranga road and causing travelers to take longer alternate routes. Little relief is in sight because the rainy season, which has been heavier than usual this year, usually runs until mid-June.
(filed on May 14, 2002)
Africa : East AfricaThe U.S. State Department has extended its public announcement reminding travelers that a high potential for terrorist attacks exists in the region. The announcement states that "supporters of Al-Qaida and other extremists are active in East Africa" and that aircraft remain vulnerable to shoulder-fired missiles and seaports may also be targeted.
(filed on September 17, 2003)
Africa : EgyptOne of the feared consequences of the war in Iraq is the destabilization of other countries in the region, and the first hints of this are occurring in Egypt, where protests against the war have increasingly been turning against the government despite its anti-war stance. Laws establishing emergency rule have been routinely renewed since they were passed in 1981 after the assassination of President Anwar Sadat. The laws allow the government to detain indefinitely anyone deemed a threat to the state, without trial. The government also controls radio and TV and has a strong influence on newspapers. During anti-war protests, Egyptians are criticizing President Hosni Mubarak directly, an act that at other times and venues could result in arrest.
(filed on April 2, 2003)
Africa : EgyptParliamentary elections are being held in three phases, Oct. 18, 29, and Nov. 8. It is the first election in decades being held in stages with judges monitoring the polling stations. Turnout is usually low but the government is pushing for greater participation. In the last election five years ago, dozens were killed and scores injured in election-related violence. Consider deferring travel until the election is over and results have been released.
(filed on October 16, 2000)
Africa : EgyptAnyone who has ever been jolted awake
before dawn by the blare of a static-filled sound
system will appreciate what the Egyptian
government is trying to do. It is making efforts
to enforce restrictions on what can be broadcast
from mosques and when, stating that the
traditional call to prayer is acceptable, but
other messages or readings from the Koran are not.
The call of the muezzin can be one of the charms
of the Islamic world, but when several mosques are
in close proximity, such as they are in certain
Cairo neighborhoods, and they have antiquated
sound systems, the romance can quickly wear thin.
(filed on May 28, 2001)
Africa : EgyptAuthorities cracked down on a fundamentalist group demonstrating in Rabat, Casablanca, Fez and other cities Dec. 9 and 10, beating protesters with clubs and arresting many. The incidents suggest rising political tensions in a country where such groups were banned and their leaders jailed under the administration of King Hassan II, who died in July 1999. The king's son and successor, King Mohammed VI, released a key Islamic leader from house arrest in May, and is now seeing his fundamentalist group becoming more demanding.
(filed on December 12, 2000)
Africa : EgyptThe State Department reported Oct. 27 that extremist groups may be planning terrorist acts in Egypt and other areas of the Middle East, and urged Americans to consider carefully any plans to travel here. Egypt has thus far seen little unrest as a result of the conflict in Israel. Follow local press reports for current updates and travel with caution.
(filed on October 30, 2000)
Africa : EgyptAir pollution in Cairo has become as bad as almost any city on earth. Since October the Egyptian capital has been plagued by a brown haze locals have been euphemistically calling "black fog," an ungodly soup of vehicle exhaust and emissions from lead smelters trapped by atmospheric inversions. Consider curtailing strenuous outdoor activities.
(filed on January 31, 2000)
Africa : GabonA statement from the U.S. Embassy about the many police roadblocks and checkpoints in and around Libreville speaks volumes about what you might experience if stopped: "Please treat the police with respect and you can hope that they will treat you with the same."
(filed on November 5, 2003)
Africa : GabonAn outbreak of ebola hemorrhagic fever occurred in Ogooue-Ivindo province of northeastern Gabon in December and is not yet contained. At least 17 people in Gabon and 7 across the border in the Republic of Congo have died from the disease. No confirmed cases of ebola have been identified outside of Ogooue-Ivindo province, which was put under quarantine Jan. 4, but local people, upset over interference with their traditional death rites, forced international health workers out of their communities, hampering the containment effort.
(filed on January 13, 2002)
Africa : GambiaWhen encountering road checkpoints be sure
to stop and follow the instructions of security
personnel. Shootings occurred early this year at
some checkpoints. Crossing the Gambia River via
the Banjul-to-Barra ferry can be dangerous because
the boat is often overcrowded, frequently operates
with several engines broken and doesn't have
enough life preservers. If you must get to the
north bank of the Gambia River, consider using the
Yelitenda-to-Bambatenda ferry, 90 miles upriver.
(filed on April 14, 2001)
Africa : GhanaAn indigenous ethnic group in Accra called
the Ga bans drumming or noisemaking from mid-May
to early June each year, and this ban has been
challenged by some churches on the grounds that it
violates their right to freely practice their own
religion, which may involve drumming. Skirmishes
have occurred because of this conflict and the
potential for further violence exists. Unless
planning to worship, avoid churches, especially on
Sunday mornings when drumming celebrations may
occur.
(filed on May 28, 2001)
Africa : GhanaFighting between rival clans in the city of Yendi in the Dagbon Traditional Area, Northern Region caused 28 deaths at the end of March. The government announced a state of emergency, sent in troops to control the unrest, established curfews throughout the region and imposed news censorship. Further violence is possible and travel to the area should be deferred until the situation stabilizes.
(filed on April 2, 2002)
Africa : GhanaThe May 9 soccer stampede that killed some
120 fans in Accra is a tragic reminder of the need
to weigh safety conditions when attending sporting
events. It was the third deadly incident in a
month in Africa's soccer stadiums (the other two
occurred in South Africa and the Democratic
Republic of Congo), although such tragedies are
more linked with soccer in general than soccer in
Africa. Similar incidents have occurred in Europe
and Latin America, and given the fanaticism of
soccer fans around the world could happen again.
Try to be sure you have a clear path to an exit,
and be prepared to leave at the first sign of
trouble.
(filed on May 14, 2001)
Africa : GhanaGeneral elections are planned for early December, and the campaign has been marred by violence, with one killing and 19 injuries in separate incidents. Candidates and ordinary Ghanaians are speaking out against violence but tensions are rising. Consider deferring travel here until the elections have been concluded.
(filed on November 13, 2000)
Africa : GhanaA land dispute between rival tribal chiefs erupted into violence May 8 with one death and scores of injuries. The unrest occurred in the villages of Kokrobite and Langa near the popular Mile 16 beach area west of Accra. More trouble is likely, and visitors are encouraged to stay clear of the area.
(filed on May 17, 1999)
Africa : Ivory CoastIntense fighting in the western cities of Danane and Man between the army and new rebel groups underscores the continued volatility of the country. The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan is operating with a skeleton staff and all other government personnel have been ordered out of the country, including families of Embassy employees. Travel outside Abidjan is prohibited to all personnel unless authorized by the ambassador. The land route to Ghana is open but subject to lengthy delays because of roadblocks.
(filed on December 4, 2002)
Africa : Ivory CoastThe U.S. Embassy in Abidjan received an envelope containing an unidentified white powder Oct. 31. The area was sealed off until tests could determine if the material was hazardous, and the consular section was temporarily closed. Emergency assistance remains available for those contacting the consular section by phone.
(filed on November 6, 2001)
Africa : Ivory CoastOngoing civil war has prompted KLM to announce the suspension of service between Amsterdam and Abidjan effective Feb. 3 through March 29. The move appears to be less a concern about safety than recognition that business has dropped significantly on the route. Air France still flies daily between Paris and Abidjan.
(filed on January 8, 2003)
Africa : Ivory CoastThe country is in a difficult transition from military rule to democracy with parliamentary elections coming Dec. 10. The presidential election last month was fraught with political and ethnic unrest, and while passions have diminished, tensions are likely to remain high up to and beyond the elections. Defer travel here until the security situation is more predictable.
(filed on November 27, 2000)
Africa : Ivory CoastFor years a model of stability in West Africa, the Ivory Coast is growing increasingly volatile because of economic disparity, ethnic tensions and discrimination based on new citizenship laws. Residents who were born and raised here to parents who immigrated from neighboring countries have few rights, and are now mobilizing politically. Demonstrations have become more common and anti-government violence has increased since August.
(filed on November 22, 1999)
Africa : Ivory CoastThe U. S. Embassy in Abidjan closed as a temporary security measure Feb. 3 because of scheduled demonstrations near the embassy chancery building, but expected to reopen within days, security conditions permitting. The political situation is volatile with anti-French demonstrations now occurring almost daily. Thousands of government supporters are upset with the French for brokering a peace agreement that allows the rebels to share power, and ruling party leaders have urged the legislature to reject the peace plan. Rebels have threatened to march on Abidjan if the plan is scrapped. French citizens have been escorted out of the country by French troopers and Air France has initiated two daily flights between Abidjan and Paris for any French or other foreigners who want to leave. The U.S. State Department urges all Americans in Ivory Coast to depart, and any contemplating travel there to defer plans. The 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew has been extended through Feb. 15.
(filed on February 5, 2003)
Africa : Ivory CoastFrench troops were prepared to evacuate foreigners from Bouake, a rebel-held city sixty miles from the capital, Yamoussoukro, after a failed coup left scores dead and rebel troops surrounded. U.S. troops were also on the way to protect some 100 Americans trapped in Bouake. During the coup attempt, fighting also erupted in Abidjan, the commercial capital, and three other cities. Travel to Côte d'Ivoire should be deferred until the situation stabilizes, especially to the cities of Abidjan, Bouake and Korhogo.
(filed on September 25, 2002)
Africa : KenyaNow may be a good time to visit the wildlife parks of Kenya with tourism to the area down significantly from last year. U.S. tourism to Kenya has dropped 50 percent, and European travel 30 percent, leaving the Kenyan tourism industry in a depressed state.
(filed on December 18, 2001)
Africa : KenyaLake Challa, in the Amboseli region, is supposedly a safe place to swim, but an 18-year-old British student volunteering on a five-month environmental mission was killed by a crocodile there March 8. According to the company running the expedition, the hotel where the group was staying, a guidebook and some locals who were asked, the lake is a good place to swim. Police, however, stated that the lake is infested with crocodiles. If in doubt about the safety of bodies of water, obtain as many opinions as possible, and consider entering the water only where the locals do.
(filed on March 12, 2002)
Africa : KenyaThe 300-mile Nairobi-Mombasa Highway has become a nightmare for travelers because of organized groups of bandits plaguing the highway day and night. The bandits work in groups of ten and communicate by cell phones to report on approaching victims and to warn of any police patrols. They are armed with AK-47s and machine guns, much heavier weapons than the police possess, and operate openly along the entire route. Their favored targets are private motorists driving alone or with families. They have avoided attacking tourists traveling in groups, so this is a case where it’s safer traveling in tourist vehicles. The most dangerous areas are a 20-mile stretch between Sultan Hamud Town and Kibwezi, the plateau between Mtito Andei and Voi, and the area between Machakos and Athi River.
(filed on March 3, 2004)
Africa : KenyaAn air traffic controllers strike that was broken by the government's move to fire them all has created potentially unsafe skies over Kenya. The air traffic control system is now being run by managers, instructors from the school of aviation and retired controllers. Many of these replacements have not worked as controllers for many years, and are working long hours. Both the Kenya Airline Pilot's Association and the Kenya Tourism Concern have appealed to the government to reinstate the controllers and address their grievances to avoid an air disaster.
(filed on April 16, 2002)
Africa : KenyaCarjackers are becoming more brazen in
Nairobi, working together to hit several cars in
succession on sprees designed not to steal the
vehicles but to rob as many occupants as possible.
One band has been working the Westlands and
Parklands areas for the past month between the
hours of 5 and 7 p.m., starting in the lower
Parklands and carjacking three or four vehicles
before abandoning the last one and taking a
minibus into town. A gruesome twist in such
assaults is the willingness of the crooks to chop
off victims' fingers to get their rings. A French
tourist out for a walk had this happen to him
recently, and a woman reported carjackers warning
her they would do this if she didn't remove her
ring quickly. Wear as little jewelry as possible
and be sure what you do wear can be quickly
removed.
(filed on March 26, 2001)
Africa : KenyaCiting improvements in security in and around the airport, British officials expect to reinstate flights to Mombasa by British airline companies soon. The British government banned flights to Kenya in May because of terrorist threats and inadequate security, but lifted the ban on flights to Nairobi at the end of June.
(filed on August 6, 2003)
Africa : KenyaBusiness deals that appear too good to be
true usually are, as three Americans discovered
recently. They responded to overtures on the
Internet promising lucrative business dealings in
diamonds and fish in Kenya and arrived only to be
abducted by their "business partners" and forced
to try to raise ransom money. All three were lured
over separately. One had been held since January,
the other two were kidnapped in April. The
perpetrator, who is now on trial in Nairobi, is
Nigerian and his two accomplices, who escaped, are
also believed to be Nigerian. For years scams that
masquerade as business opportunities have been
coming out of Nigeria. Don't be tempted by any
such offer that comes unsolicited, whether over
the Internet, via fax, or phone.
(filed on May 1, 2001)
Africa : KenyaA convoy of four minibuses carrying 24 American tourists was held up and robbed by two bandits June 17 near the popular Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The bandits took cash and made off with four hostages, who later that day were released unharmed. Two days later three Maasai men were arrested who reportedly confessed to the crime as well as to a similar robbery of foreign tourists inside the park last month. Whether these arrests will resolve the security problem around the reserve remains to be seen. One official stated that the high incidence of car-jacking in the district is a result of police complicity.
(filed on June 21, 1999)
Africa : KenyaOn Dec. 2 the U.S. State Department issued the following announcement: "The following information has not been corroborated, but, in the interest of time and public safety, the Department felt it prudent to provide the same information to the traveling public. Recently, the U.S. Government received an anonymous warning detailing terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, specifically the Stanley Hotel and the Hilton Hotel. The timing of the threat is within the next several days."
(filed on December 3, 2003)
Africa : KenyaOverloaded, speeding buses have become such a hazard in Kenya that President Moi ordered police to set up roadblocks to slow them down. The move was spurred by two recent crashes in which some 140 people were killed. The most recent incident occurred on the road between Nairobi and Mombasa when a bus was crushed between two trucks when trying to pass at night. In the previous incident a bus spun out of control and into the path of another. Consider other modes of transportation, and don't drive the highways at night.
(filed on April 25, 2000)
Africa : KenyaNairobi’s popular Carnivore restaurant and nightclub was recently the scene of an incident between three Kenyan women and an American tourist and U.S. military personnel that began with the locals harassing the Americans on the dance floor, then continuing the argument outside. Police refused to allow the Americans to leave and one of the three women stirred the crowd of some 40 people into a menacing mob. The Americans escaped through the help of U.S. Embassy personnel who were there at the time. Security guards at the nightclub said that harassment of tourists there by Kenyan women is common. They know that tourists have money and they try to get it through theft, feigned friendship, or causing incidents of this sort and then demanding money to put a stop to it.
On a positive note, Kenya has devised an eco-tourism rating system to help control tourism development through sustainable, environmentally sensitive programs. Development in the coastal areas and on Lake Victoria have been especially harmful to the ecosystems and local communities.
(filed on November 20, 2002)
Africa : KenyaThe British Embassy and U.S. information offices in Nairobi reopened Dec. 9 after being closed Dec. 4 because of a specific threat against British interests. Officials assessed the risk and felt the immediate threat had passed. A U.S. Embassy spokesman said there was no direct threat against Americans but the information offices were closed as a precaution, which is routine when perceptions of a threat are heightened.
(filed on December 11, 2002)
Africa : KenyaPower rationing that has been in effect since late last year will be intensified, as expected rains have not materialized. Homes and businesses in Nairobi face cuts of up to 18 hours per day, four days a week, and it may get worse.
(filed on May 22, 2000)
Africa : KenyaThe British government lifted a ban on flights by UK carriers to Mombasa Sept. 4, more than two months after allowing a resumption of flights to Nairobi. Both bans were lifted because of improved security conditions and close cooperation between UK and Kenyan security officials. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice still states, however, that there is a high threat of global terrorism in Kenya, and the U.S. State Department still advises Americans to defer non-essential travel here.
(filed on September 10, 2003)
Africa : KenyaTwo weeks of heavy rain have caused severe floods that washed away roads and submerged villages, displacing thousands. The capital city, Nairobi, saw a third of its water supply cut off when floodwaters destroyed pipes that carried water from a main reservoir to a water treatment facility, leaving a million people without clean water. Authorities expect repairs to take at least two weeks.
(filed on May 7, 2003)
Africa : KenyaIn an effort to calm tourist fears of terrorist attacks following the Nov. 28 attack on an Israeli-owned hotel and an Israeli charter aircraft in Mombasa, tourism officials are spreading the word that Kenya’s game reserves would be difficult for terrorists to target. The parks are remote and are patrolled by land and air for poachers, creating significant obstacles for terrorists, officials believe. Tourism numbers have declined since the attack, but not dramatically. Hoping to make visitors feel safer in Nairobi, officials have set up police kiosks on downtown streets.
(filed on January 22, 2003)
Africa : KenyaSeveral incidents of violence against Kenyan and foreign adults have occurred in rural areas because villagers fear children will be stolen. Be cautious taking pictures of children or offering them trinkets or candy; such actions can be viewed with alarm and may provoke violence. If traveling with an adopted child, always carry complete copies of adoption paperwork.
(filed on November 21, 2000)
Africa : KenyaThe U.S. State Department urges Americans to reevaluate travel plans to Kenya in light of "indications of terrorist threats" aimed at American and Western interests. The threat of a terrorist missile attack on civilian aircraft remains, following a similar incident in November in the coastal town of Mombasa.
(filed on March 19, 2003)
Africa : KenyaGermany has lifted its warning against travel to Kenya because of improved security conditions. Other nations, notably the U.S. and U.K, have not altered their advice to avoid travel here despite security improvements. The U.S. State Department continues to warn citizens about the risk of terrorist attacks here and authorizes the departure of family members and non-emergency personnel. The British continue to ban their aircraft from the Nairobi route. Australia, Canada and Denmark are the other countries that advise against travel to Kenya.
(filed on June 18, 2003)
Africa : KenyaThe three year drought that has caused severe shortages of electricity throughout the country is also causing famine, with much of rural Kenya at risk. Be sure to carry ample supplies if planning to venture beyond the game parks and major urban centers.
(filed on July 18, 2000)
Africa : KenyaThe U.S. Embassy in Nairobi was closed for several days beginning June 20 because of reports that al Qaeda members were planning an attack on embassies or residences of foreign officials in Nairobi. The U.S. Embassy, constructed on the outskirts of Nairobi after the 1998 terrorist attack destroyed the previous embassy downtown, closed to review its security procedures.
(filed on June 25, 2003)
Africa : MadagascarThe same cyclones that devastated Mozambique in recent weeks wreaked havoc on Madagascar, where a cholera epidemic has been brewing the past several months. Chances that the disease will spread have increased with substantial flooding brought on by the storms. Health services are severely stretched by the current crisis. Be sure to drink only bottled beverages or water that has been boiled.
(filed on March 13, 2000)
Africa : MadagascarThe political crisis caused by a disputed presidential election is spiraling close to civil war now as troops loyal to the newly elected president are fighting with those loyal to the defeated incumbent who refused to accept a court ruling that he lost the election. Conflict has occurred in the vanilla-producing region of Diego Suarez in the northeast, and there are threats to break the blockade around the capital city of Antananarivo by force rather than negotiation. Food and fuel is growing scarce and a humanitarian crisis is looming.
(filed on June 4, 2002)
Africa : MadagascarA resolution of the election crisis and the corresponding unrest between opposing groups may have been found with the challenger who had declared himself president retracting his claim in exchange for a ballot recount. The agreement has raised hopes that the blockade of Antananarivo will now end and supplies will begin to move in from the main port and around the country. The standoff has been ongoing for more than six weeks.
(filed on April 23, 2002)
Africa : MadagascarDemonstrations against election results have brought up to half a million people into the streets of Antananarivo almost daily the past two weeks, and such gatherings may continue until mid-April, when results of a run-off election will be announced. Protesters believe the opposition candidate won the initial election free and clear, and many observers agree. The rallies have been largely nonviolent but the potential for violence exists. Transit and banking services have been disrupted and at one point the international airport was closed because workers had joined the strike. Expect delays traveling anywhere in the country.
(filed on February 12, 2002)
Africa : MadagascarThe political crisis here has taken a turn for the worse, with the government declaring martial law in Antananarivo province, a blockade of the capital city of Antananarivo causing fuel shortages that could lead to disruption of power and water services, and diminishing food supplies. The international airport cannot handle its usual traffic, and Air France has canceled all flights until further notice. The opposition leader who claims to have won the December election outright has established a parallel government, and there is no end in site to the impasse.
(filed on March 5, 2002)
Africa : MadagascarEight months after a political crisis nearly swept the country into civil war, conditions have returned to normal here. Given how tense the situation was during the first half of 2002, it is remarkable that there has been little civil unrest since then. The country has put the crisis behind it and moved forward. Americans are widely welcomed and crime is low. Most crime is non-confrontational, such as pick-pocketing and grab-and-run snatchings. Petty crime is the most common threat to travelers, and the police, in most instances, will be of little help because they have so few resources. It is advisable to avoid night travel outside the cities because of poor roads and inadequate lighting.
(filed on February 26, 2003)
Africa : MadagascarThousands of demonstrators protesting presidential election results were dispersed with tear gas and stun grenades in Antananarivo January 7. It was the second demonstration in four days and the crowd was estimated to number 30,000. According to the official tally, no candidate won a majority of the votes in the Dec. 16 election, but opposition supporters claim widespread fraud and believe that their candidate won 52 percent of the vote. If the courts validate the results, a runoff between the top two candidates will occur 30 days later. Tensions could remain high and further protests are likely to produce a crackdown.
(filed on January 8, 2002)
Africa : MadagascarThe six-month political crisis that stemmed from a disputed presidential election has ended and now the process of cleaning up the mess is underway. The defeated incumbent fled the country and the new government now controls the entire country. Further violent clashes are considered unlikely. Commercial air traffic to the island is being restored. Roadblocks are being removed and bridges rebuilt, but it will probably be several months before the transportation system is back to normal. Fuel supplies are being restored but availability is limited, and shortages of medical supplies and food exist throughout the country. Some areas still have curfews. Petty crime has increased because of the severe economic damage done by the crisis.
(filed on July 16, 2002)
Africa : MadagascarAn election dispute has prompted several weeks of mass protests in the capital, Antananarivo, with recent daily crowds numbering half a million. The opposition candidate, who claims to have been cheated of an outright win in the December election, declared himself president Feb. 22 prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. Demonstrations in Antananarivo have remained peaceful but violence broke out in Fianarantsoa, where authorities imposed an overnight curfew. Tensions could spill over into violence and transport throughout the country could be disrupted, including into and out of the international airport.
(filed on February 26, 2002)
Africa : MadagascarThe crisis caused by a disputed presidential election has become more violent in recent days, with fighting occurring in the city of Fianaratsoa. As a result, the State Department has ordered all personnel to depart Fianaratsoa province and advises travelers to avoid the city and province at this time. Supporters of the two rivals to the presidency control different parts of the country, with the challenger in power in the capital of Antananarivo and the incumbent controlling the main seaport. A blockade has been set up to isolate the capital and supplies of medicine, food, and fuel are dwindling both in the capital and throughout the country. Air service has been curtailed.
(filed on April 16, 2002)
Africa : MadagascarA "peace plan" signed by both contenders for the presidency should have solved the four-month-old political standoff, but now that the high court has completed a ballot recount and declared the opposition leader the winner, with enough votes to claim the office outright, the incumbent has refused to accept the result. His action will no doubt encourage supporters to retain a blockade of the capital, exacerbating the economic crisis and raising the specter of armed conflict. Some provincial governors have threatened to secede, which could lead to civil war.
(filed on April 30, 2002)
Africa : MalawiOnly days after tour operators in the southern resort district of Mangochi complained that guides were harassing and robbing tourists, a solo German cyclist on a round-the-world journey was robbed and murdered in Cape Maclear, a popular tourist site at the tip of Lake Malawi. Authorities have vowed to increase patrols on the beaches and to pass new laws to regulate tour guides. Tour operators have claimed that unscrupulous guides have been intentionally misdirecting tourists to remote places to set them up for muggings.
(filed on May 14, 2002)
Africa : MaliWhen the urge strikes to set off overland to cross the Sahara, a romantic adventure beset with dangers and difficulties, be aware that a group of extremists who kidnapped 32 European tourists this year in Algeria remain in Mali and may be recruiting new members. They held 17 hostages until May and the rest until August, only releasing the second group after reportedly being paid a hefty ransom by the German government. One hostage died in captivity.
(filed on October 21, 2003)
Africa : MaliViolent carjackings appear to be on the rise in the Sevare-Mopti region of Mali, and in the north of Niger, with four-wheel drive vehicles the target of choice. A few tips to avoid becoming a victim: 1. Talk to locals and find out what the high crime areas are and avoid them whenever possible; 2. Identify and avoid traffic choke points; 3. In slow-moving traffic, stay at least a half-car length behind the car in front of you, so you cannot be boxed in; 4. Be alert as you approach your locked vehicle and once you are inside, lock your doors.
(filed on July 14, 2003)
Africa : MaliRoad travel in the region surrounding
Timbuktu, Kidal and Gao in the north should be
avoided because of increasing banditry. Robbers
usually take everything, including the vehicle,
and in a recent incident asked if any of the
travelers were Americans. None were. Despite the
seeking out of Americans in this case, authorities
believe that these incidents are not politically
motivated but simply criminal in nature.
(filed on January 8, 2001)
Africa : MaliThe Paris-Dakar Rally, an annual road race, makes its way across West Africa in January and will create large crowds and heightened security in cities where it stops for the night. It will also command most hotel rooms, making accommodations difficult to find. Participants are due to spend the night of Jan. 12 in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Jan. 13 in Bamako, Mali and Jan. 16 in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
(filed on December 30, 2003)
Africa : MaliThe problem of carjacking in the Sevare-Mopti region has intensified in recent months and is getting so bad that some organizations are painting their vehicles in fluorescent colors so they can be identified when stolen, others are replacing SUVs with pickups (with limited success), while others are replacing new vehicles with old, beat-up ones. Enclosed four-wheel-drive vehicles are the most popular targets, including Toyota Land Cruisers and Nissan and Mitsubishi SUVs. There are many common-sense ways to try to avoid becoming a carjacking victim, but if you are confronted by armed carjackers, don’t resist.
(filed on July 8, 2003)
Africa : MaliThe UNESCO World Heritage city of Timbuktu is melting into the earth as heavy rains seeping into the soaked ground softened walls and foundations of its historic mud structures. More than 180 buildings have been destroyed in this city where some structures date back more than 600 years. The Niger River flooded in central Mali, driving as many as a million people from their homes.
(filed on September 17, 2003)
Africa : MaliBanditry has increased in the regions of Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu, and nonessential road travel should be avoided. In the last three months an American group had their car hijacked, and three Dutch tourists were murdered on the road known as the "Road of the Smugglers" when traveling from Algeria to the city of Gao.
(filed on March 21, 2000)
Africa : MauritaniaMauritania: Demonstrations have been held daily in the capital city of Nouakchott to protest the Israeli siege of the Palestinian Authority. Several were broken up with tear gas. Mauritania is one of three Arab countries that have diplomatic relations with Israel, and protestors are demanding that these ties be severed. Further violence is possible.
(filed on April 2, 2002)
Africa : MauritiusA popular reggae singer was arrested February 18 for smoking pot at a rally to legalize marijuana, then died in police custody three days later, causing riots throughout the island. Three people were killed and tensions remain high. Follow local press reports and avoid demonstrations.
(filed on February 27, 1999)
Africa : MoroccoThe Moroccan government has been trying to reassure tourists and businesspeople that the country remains safe in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Casablanca May 16, but at the same time police are reporting numerous phone calls threatening similar attacks at hotels, nightclubs and restaurants in Rabat and other cities. Locals are worried and wondering if such attacks could happen again, and many consider the attacks to be driven by poverty and misery. The country remains in a heightened state of alert.
(filed on May 28, 2003)
Africa : MoroccoFew security experts expected a terrorist attack in Morocco, especially of the magnitude of the five nearly simultaneous bombings that killed 41 and injured more than 100 May 16. But the incidents suggest the reach of Islamic terrorists, whether tied to al Qaeda or not. Authorities are still uncertain of al Qaeda links to the attack, but all of the attackers were Moroccan.
(filed on May 21, 2003)
Africa : MoroccoThe State Department announced July 9 that it had information, not yet confirmed, that individuals may be planning terrorist activities against U.S. interests in Morocco. Keep a low profile and minimize contact with official U.S. institutions until the threat has passed.
(filed on July 17, 2001)
Africa : NamibiaAuthorities recently declared safe for tourists two regions that had been dangerous because of a secessionist movement and spillover conflict from the civil war in Angola. The regions of Kavango and Caprivi in the north and northeast had been plagued by violence since 1999. Military convoys had been put in place to assure safe transit between the cities of Bagani and Kongola, and tourism, a mainstay of the areas' economy, had plummeted. Now the convoys have been discontinued and visitors are returning. The end of Angola's civil war, made possible by the death of rebel leader Jonas Savimbi in February, has allowed the government to stabilize these regions.
(filed on August 6, 2002)
Africa : NamibiaA group of French tourists was attacked near the Angola border Jan. 4. Several people were injured and three children were killed. UNITA rebels have been blamed for the attack but they in turn blamed undisciplined Angolan soldiers. For the dead it doesn't matter who was responsible; avoid travel to this border region.
(filed on January 4, 2000)
Africa : NamibiaUsually one of the safest southern African countries, Namibia has been experiencing insurgent violence in the Caprivi region in recent weeks. Rebels attacked an army base in the town of Katima Mulilo in early August and 13 people were killed. The situation is stabilizing, but further conflict is possible. Peace Corps volunteers have been temporarily removed from the region, and travel to this area in northeastern Namibia should be avoided at this time.
(filed on August 9, 1999)
Africa : NamibiaSecurity has improved along the Namibia-Angola border following the recent peace in Angola, but banditry is still a problem in the area from Katwitwi (a village on the Okavango River in western Kavango region) to Kongola Town in Caprivi region. Landmines also pose a risk here and travelers should remain on the main road and avoid night travel. The most common crimes in the capital city of Windhoek are nonviolent crimes of opportunity such as purse snatching, pick-pocketing, and vehicle theft or break-ins. Most of these crimes can be avoided with common sense precautions.
(filed on October 17, 2002)
Africa : NamibiaThe holiday season is a time of high crime here, mostly thefts from people carrying parcels to cars and break-ins of vehicles and homes. Keep doors locked and windows up when driving in Windhoek. Traffic accidents also increase dramatically at this time of year because of increased alcohol consumption and drivers from out of town. Remain alert at all times.
(filed on December 3, 2003)
Africa : NamibiaTravel to the Okavango and Caprivi regions in the north near the Angola border should be avoided because of fighting that has spilled over from Angola. The Angolan army has been attacking UNITA rebels in the area and there are reports that the rebels have been firing back from within Namibia. Namibian security forces have been setting up frequent roadblocks in Okavango looking for UNITA rebels.
(filed on December 24, 1999)
Africa : NigerViolent carjackings appear to be on the rise in the Sevare-Mopti region of Mali, and in the north of Niger, with four-wheel drive vehicles the target of choice. A few tips to avoid becoming a victim: 1. Talk to locals and find out what the high crime areas are and avoid them whenever possible; 2. Identify and avoid traffic choke points; 3. In slow-moving traffic, stay at least a half-car length behind the car in front of you, so you cannot be boxed in; 4. Be alert as you approach your locked vehicle and once you are inside, lock your doors.
(filed on July 14, 2003)
Africa : NigerCampaigning is underway for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held Oct. 17 in what represents a return to civilian rule after control by a military junta since a presidential assassination in April. Thus far the campaign has been festive and peaceful, with leaders appealing for calm.
(filed on September 27, 1999)
Africa : NigeriaConflict between Christians and Muslims flared in late February in and around Kaduna City and in the southeastern cities of Aba and Onitsha. The violence stems from state government attempts to impose sharia, or Islamic law. Roadblocks were reported on the main road between Aba and Port Harcourt. Travel with caution in these areas, and follow local press reports for current updates. Further violence that occurred March 3-5 in the university town of Ife and nearby Modakeke in the Yoruba heartland was over land disputes and unrelated to the religious violence.
(filed on March 6, 2000)
Africa : NigeriaA British oil worker and his son were kidnapped February 14 in the southern delta region. The impoverished area, which produces the bulk of Nigeria's oil riches but sees little economic gain in return, has been simmering with discontent in recent months. Oil companies and their employees have been the principal targets of demonstrations and kidnappings, but any travel to the area should be undertaken with caution. Another oil worker was kidnapped February 9, and eight others were abducted in November but were released unharmed.
(filed on February 15, 1999)
Africa : NigeriaComing off a successful election and transition from military rule to democratic government, Nigeria is now facing an escalation of unrest in the Niger Delta region where most of the country's oil wealth is located. Hundreds have been killed in ethnic clashes and foreign oil companies have either pulled out their employees or restricted them to company compounds. Residents have been fleeing the regional capital of Warri to escape the bloodshed. The army is restoring order, but travel to this region should be avoided.
(filed on June 7, 1999)
Africa : NigeriaEthnic violence is increasing in Nigeria, with three separate conflicts occurring since May between different groups. Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw tribes in the Niger River delta clashed in a dispute over government favors and oil revenues; Ijaws and Ilajes clashed in a land dispute in Ondo state; Yorubas and Hausas, Nigeria's two largest ethnic groups, clashed first in the southwestern city of Sagamu and later in the northern city of Kano. Follow local press reports about areas of unrest before setting out from Lagos.
(filed on August 23, 1999)
Africa : NigeriaA general strike has spread across the country to protest a 50-percent increase in consumer oil prices, causing lengthy flight delays at major airports and unrest in Lagos, and the closure of government offices and businesses in Abuja, the northern cities of Kano and Kaduna and the southeastern city of Port Harcourt. Police fired warning shots and tear gas to disperse protesters in Lagos, and shops were barricaded for fear of looting. The price hike was announced June 20 and met with outrage. Union leaders are determined to maintain the strike until the price increase is rescinded or reduced, and more unrest is possible.
(filed on July 1, 2003)
Africa : NigeriaAirport workers went on strike Aug. 1 to demand higher wages, significantly disrupting domestic flights but having little impact on international flights. All major airports were expected to be affected by the strike, which could go on indefinitely if a settlement is not reached.
(filed on August 7, 2001)
Africa : NigeriaThe possibility of violent crime exists throughout the country, including kidnap for ransom, carried out not only by civilian criminals, but also by people in police and military uniforms. This is not so surprising as Nigeria has become famous worldwide as the land of never-ending scams and frauds. Additionally, public transport in Nigeria is not trustworthy, whether it is a taxicab or a Nigerian airline, whose maintenance procedures are suspect.
(filed on January 21, 2004)
Africa : NigeriaBe careful whom you talk to in the northern city of Kano. Sharia, or Islamic law, was introduced in Kano state in November and hundreds of people have been arrested in the city for talking to members of the opposite sex. When questioned by police, detainees have been asked whether they're practicing prostitution or adultery, but most were simply talking with each other. Paying a small bribe, however, is usually enough to be released.
(filed on December 26, 2000)
Africa : NigeriaMore than two weeks of fighting between rival ethnic groups in central Nigeria has killed as many as 200 people and displaced 50,000. The violence between the Azare and Tiv communities in Nassarawa state began June 12 and abated June 28. Relief efforts for the refugees are underway, but travel to the state should be deferred.
(filed on July 2, 2001)
Africa : NigeriaThe radar system at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is broken but will be operational soon, according to air traffic controllers. Pilots for international airlines report that the radar system here breaks down periodically, sometimes for weeks at a time, forcing pilots to use the instrument landing system to guide their planes, creating increased delays and a higher chance of error. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos reports that airports around the world have functioned, and continue to function, safely without radar, and Lagos officials have shown no real concern.
Nigeria has closed its border with Benin because Benin has failed to crack down on cross-border crime. Nigeria complained of armed robberies, smuggling and human trafficking and asked Benin to take decisive measures to stop these crimes, but little progress has been made.
(filed on August 13, 2003)
Africa : RwandaFighting occurred recently between Rwandan
forces and insurgent groups in Ruhengeri province
in northwestern Rwanda near the border with the
Democratic Republic of Congo. Further conflict is
possible. Travel to the vicinity of Virunga
National Park on the Congo border should be
avoided, including organized tours to see the
mountain gorillas, because security cannot be
assured.
(filed on May 28, 2001)
Africa : RwandaVolcanoes National Park, home to many of the world's last mountain gorillas, has reopened to tourists after a long closure following the 1994 genocide in which over 800,000 people were slaughtered. While Rwandan officials guarantee the security of visitors, with army patrols attempting to ensure that no Hutu rebels cross from Congo, remember that borders in this region are quite permeable. The killing by Hutu rebels of eight gorilla-seeking trekkers in March took place nearby in neighboring Uganda. No tour operators have yet offered to take their clients to Rwanda, but visitors of course can get there on their own.
(filed on July 19, 1999)
Africa : RwandaTravel to Virunga National Park in northwestern Rwanda, a popular place for viewing mountain gorillas, should be avoided because of ongoing insurgent activity. The nearby communities of Ndusa, Gatonde, Rwerere, Rubavu, Giciye, Kinigi, Mutura, Kidaho, Nyamyumba, Nkumba, Nkuli, Mukingo, Nyamutera, Kayove, Rutsiro, Ramba, Gaseke and Satinsyi should also be avoided. In the southwest, two insurgent attacks on vehicles traveling along the main road through the Nyungwe Forest occurred in October, and travel through the forest should be avoided.
(filed on November 11, 2001)
Africa : SenegalThe popular Casamance region has seen increasing conflict since February between separatists and the military. Peace Corps workers at villages in and near the area have relocated to the city of Kolda pending further developments. Travel to the Casamance region should be deferred.
(filed on April 25, 2000)
Africa : SenegalAn assault on an outspoken opposition leader by associates of Senegal’s president prompted thousands to march in Dakar Nov. 6 to protest political violence that is going unpunished. Since its independence from France in 1960, Senegal has had a multiparty system free of military coups or dictatorships, and is considered one of the most democratic countries in Africa. Still, with three years until the next election, political violence has been increasing.
(filed on November 12, 2003)
Africa : SenegalPresidential elections are scheduled for Feb. 27, and a second round, if needed, for Mar. 12 or 19. The campaign is underway, with public rallies and demonstrations. Such gatherings can become unruly; consider avoiding them.
(filed on February 14, 2000)
Africa : SenegalThe Casamance region, one of Senegal's
most beautiful areas, has been troubled by a
separatist movement the last 18 years. In the past
three months fighting has intensified, with
ambushes of civilians, but a surprise peace accord
was signed Mar. 16 with the hope that it will
point the way to a peaceful future. It's not clear
if all rebel factions support the pact, but it
appears to be a good first step.
(filed on March 20, 2001)
Africa : Sierra LeoneThe U.S. Embassy in Freetown reopened Sept. 15 with a very limited staff, and travel to Sierra Leone, especially outside the capital city, is still considered risky because some rebel groups have not been disarmed and demobilized since the peace agreement was signed in July.
(filed on September 27, 1999)
Africa : South AfricaA right-wing Afrikaner group believed responsible for a spate of bombings in KwaZulu-Natal has threatened to carry out further bombings during the Christmas/New Year holidays. In an email to the South African Press Association the group warned private businesses to vacate all state buildings because the structures allegedly were targets. The group claimed to be targeting infrastructure as a way to minimize loss of life and to show force. The government has vowed to apprehend and prosecute them.
(filed on December 18, 2002)
Africa : South AfricaWith AIDS reportedly infecting 25 percent of the population, a formal effort to promote sex tourism seems like the worst idea of the millennium, but according to local reports, the Cape Town Tourism Authority plans to do just that. The intent is to regulate the industry so sex workers are protected and visitors receive "first class service." An effort to make prostitution safe is laudable, but weigh the risks if sex is on your agenda.
(filed on September 21, 1999)
Africa : South AfricaStreet crime is on the
increase in Maseru because traditional "13th
month" year-end bonuses are being paid. Visitors
should keep car doors locked and avoid walking in
downtown Maseru after dark. Similar bonuses in
South Africa are causing similar problems.
Travelers should exercise special caution when
using ATMs and be alert to thieves who might
follow them to rob them at another location.
(filed on December 19, 2000)
Africa : South AfricaThe popular Pilanesberg game reserve, just a few minutes from Sun City, was the site of a kidnapping and robbery of two women July 16. The women were driving near the Bakubung Gate when accosted by three men, who locked them in the trunk of their own car, drove to an isolated area in the west of the park and robbed them of their valuables. The women were discovered by maintenance workers, unhurt, 24 hours later. The park has seen little such violence, but the incident is a reminder to remain alert even in seemingly safe circumstances. Authorities have vowed to apprehend the culprits.
(filed on July 24, 2001)
Africa : South AfricaThe worst storms in 40 years have caused severe flooding in Cape Town, causing President Thabo Mbeki to declare the area a disaster zone. Hardest hit were the shanty towns in the flatlands on the outskirts of the city, particularly settlements near the airport. Some 15,000 people have been driven from their homes. Other residential areas and the city's commercial district fared better, but travel to Cape Town should be deferred until the emergency has passed.
(filed on August 28, 2001)
Africa : South AfricaThis nation has the highest incidence of reported rape on the planet. It also has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates. Female travelers should be especially careful where they go, and especially if they are traveling alone. An American woman and her South African female companion were raped and beaten recently in the town of Mafeking, about 150 miles to the west of Pretoria, the capital.
(filed on January 21, 2004)
Africa : South AfricaAuthorities fear more bombings could occur in and around Cape Town because the leader of a Muslim vigilante group blamed for 21 bombings in the last 28 months will go on trial Nov. 13. Police defused a pipe bomb in a restaurant in Bellville, near Cape Town Nov. 3. Past bombs have exploded in restaurants, gay bars, police stations and a synagogue.
(filed on November 7, 2000)
Africa : South AfricaA pipe bomb exploded in a beachfront restaurant near Cape Town Nov. 28, injuring at least 43 people, some seriously. The bombing at the popular cove of Camp's Bay was reminiscent of the August 1998 blast in a Planet Hollywood restaurant that was blamed on an Islamic militant group. No one has claimed responsibility and a reward has been offered. Bombings in the Cape Town area have been reduced by almost 90 percent in the past year through anti-terrorism efforts, but this latest incident confirms that serious threats still exist.
(filed on November 29, 1999)
Africa : South AfricaThe British High Commission is considering strengthening the wording of its advisory about crime in South Africa and the dangers to its citizens traveling there following the recent abduction and gang rape of a British tourist. The victim and a friend had stopped to look at the view a few miles outside of Sabie in the northeastern province of Mpumalanga when they were attacked by four men. They were forced into a car and driven around for about 14 hours before the car overturned in an accident and the criminals fled.
(filed on November 20, 2002)
Africa : South AfricaIncidence of malaria has increased significantly in recent months, with the northeastern portions of the country the hardest hit. This region includes Kruger National Park, but cases of the disease contracted in the park are low compared to the surrounding areas. Take precautions, especially to avoid being bitten by wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs, using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito netting.
(filed on December 24, 1999)
Africa : South AfricaThe floods of February have receded from Kruger National Park and operations are almost back to normal. Most camps have reopened and all entrance gates except Crocodile Bridge in the south are open. About 75 percent of the average annual rainfall fell in February.
Authorities are serious about cleaning up the country's rampant crime. Since March, when concerted police sweeps began, some 20,000 people have been arrested.
(filed on April 18, 2000)
Africa : South AfricaThe extreme right-wing group, Boeremag, which has been responsible for a number of bombings around South Africa in the last two months and aims to overthrow the government, is not just a political organization but a fundamentalist cult devoted to the prophecies of the so-called Boer visionary Johannes van Rensburg (1862-1926). Driven by religious zeal, the group will no doubt continue its attacks on the government until its leaders are apprehended or the group is broken by police action.
(filed on January 15, 2003)
Africa : South AfricaCredit card fraud is increasing in South Africa because criminal syndicates are now using waiters in restaurants to skim credit card data when patrons pay their bills. To avoid becoming a victim, keep your card in sight at all times, even if it means accompanying a waiter to the cash register where your card is swiped.
(filed on February 26, 2003)
Africa : South AfricaTheft on Cape Town's most popular beaches has skyrocketed in recent weeks, in part because tourists seem to think that there is little risk to their possessions. Thieves at Camps Bay and the nearby Clifton beaches observe what people leave behind when they go in for a swim, then help themselves. Such carelessness is compounded by the fact that there are only four police officers on duty for the long stretch of beach at Camps Bay, and they also have to patrol Table Mountain, where several muggings have been reported this year.
(filed on December 5, 2000)
Africa : South AfricaCape Town's fourth car bombing in the past month occurred Sept. 9 outside the OBZ nightclub in the southern suburb of Observatory. No one was killed and only two were injured. A Muslim vigilante group is being held responsible for the attack.
Crime continues to plague the country and affect tourists. A honeymooning couple from New York were robbed of everything but the clothes they wore just outside Kruger National Park near Sabie Sands Sept. 9. A band of six armed men took their minibus and everything in it but left them unharmed. And it appears even the country's president isn't safe. Thabo Mbeki's Cape Town residence was broken into by a man who simply made himself at home before being arrested.
(filed on September 12, 2000)
Africa : South AfricaAn oil spill from a wrecked tanker soiled pristine beaches near Cape Town, shut down the entrance to its harbor and threatened ten thousand penguins, many on Robben Island, the former site of the prison where Nelson Mandela was held. The area's most popular beaches have not been affected but remain threatened, and the cleanup will likely take weeks.
(filed on June 25, 2000)
Africa : South AfricaA tw0-day general strike by a conglomerate of South African trade unions is set for Oct. 1. The strike is meant to be the beginning of a series of protests in an anti-privatization campaign. Expect delays and inconvenience.
(filed on September 25, 2002)
Africa : South AfricaIn an effort to curtail a bombing campaign in Cape Town that has killed three people and injured more than 100 the past two years, officials are going to create "total no-stopping zones" in high-risk areas. The decision follows the Aug. 19 bombing of a nightclub in Green Point, the sixth bombing this year, which came barely a week after a car bomb explosion at Constantia shopping center. Officials plan to tow unauthorized cars immediately, step up patrols, and possibly install closed-circuit security cameras.
(filed on August 22, 2000)
Africa : Southern AfricaWeeks of heavy rain and a recent tropical storm have washed away the homes of more than a million people and knocked out power lines and bridges in Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Defer travel here until conditions improve. In South Africa, the crisis mostly affects Northern Province.
(filed on February 27, 2000)
Africa : Southern AfricaThe governments of Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe have joined forces to create one of the world’s largest conservation areas in Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, an amalgamation of Mozambique’s Limpopo Park, South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park. All fences and border controls will be dismantled and the park will open next year, but it may be some time before the park can handle visitors in large numbers.
(filed on December 11, 2002)
Africa : SudanThe U.S. has no permanent diplomatic presence in Sudan because the State Department believes that the Sudanese government cannot adequately ensure the safety of U.S. officials. From time to time a Cairo-based U.S. consular officer visits Sudan to reassess the situation, but without a permanent officer there it is very difficult to provide any emergency consular services.
(filed on June 25, 2000)
Africa : TanzaniaNational elections will be held Oct. 29, and trouble is likely in Zanzibar, a region that includes the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. Political tensions have been increasing here in recent years. Travel to Pemba should be avoided up to and shortly after the election. On both islands, stay away from polling places or other public areas on election day.
(filed on October 9, 2000)
Africa : TanzaniaFlooding has caused the closure of many national parks until at least May. If planning a safari here, check with your outfitter to confirm the parks on your itinerary will be open when you arrive.
(filed on April 3, 2000)
Africa : TanzaniaThe Muslim holiday of Idd-el-Fitr falls within the Christmas/New Year holiday period. Robberies and burglaries in Dar es Salaam have historically increased during these holidays, and drunk driving accidents also tend to spike at this time. Defensive driving is prudent and night travel should be avoided if possible. Use extra caution when traveling around the city and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
(filed on December 18, 2002)
Africa : TanzaniaMuslim-Christian tensions are increasing because radical Muslims are using "comparative preaching" to denigrate Christianity in what observers feel is a deliberate attempt to incite religious fervor in this roughly 50-50 Muslim-Christian country. "Comparative preaching," a style in which the preacher holds the Bible in one hand and the Koran in the other and criticizes Christianity in favor of Islam, caused a riot in Mwanza in September that was broken up by security forces using tear gas and batons. The preaching practice was unofficially banned in 1998 following a mosque riot, but appears to be returning. Some Muslim leaders have urged each religion to respect the other in the wake of these incidents.
(filed on October 8, 2003)
Africa : TanzaniaThe recent killing of a young American
woman by an elephant in a game preserve is an
unfortunate reminder that such parks are not zoos
and the animals are wild. The elephant was angered
by the repeated clicking of the woman's camera and
charged. When touring such wild places, always
keep your distance, heed the advice of the
wildlife experts and remember that you are not
invulnerable.
(filed on January 16, 2001)
Africa : TanzaniaThe U.S. State Department announced Jan. 10 that Americans may be at risk of terrorist attacks on the island of Zanzibar. State Department officials say they have received information that a terrorist group may be planning an attack at a location frequented by Westerners, which could be a restaurant, club or hotel. Travelers to Zanzibar, Pemba or nearby coastal locations should be especially cautious and consider avoiding places where Westerners congregate.
(filed on January 15, 2003)
Africa : TanzaniaPolitical tensions persist in Zanzibar
and Pemba islands, and recently a group calling
itself the Freedom Fighters of Tanzania issued a
statement threatening violence against the
embassies of Western countries and calling for the
kidnapping of their citizens. No incidents of this
sort have occurred, but travelers should keep a
low profile.
(filed on January 22, 2001)
Africa : The GambiaThe government imposed an indefinite 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew throughout the country June 8 to stem anti-Senegalese violence brought on by a soccer rivalry with the Gambia’s nearest neighbor. A June 7 qualifying match in the African Nations Cup between the Gambia and Senegal in Dakar ended in victory for Senegal. Senegalese hooligans later attacked the Gambian players and supporters, beating many and smashing car windows. Word of the beatings brought rioters out June 8 in Banjul, Serekunda and Farafenni who vandalized and looted Senegalese shops, set up roadblocks to find Senegalese nationals and beat them when discovered, and ransacked Senegalese businesses in the markets of the major towns. Some observers feel that the anti-Gambian violence in Dakar may have roots in alleged Gambian support for separatists in the Senegalese region of Casamance.
(filed on June 11, 2003)
Africa : TogoThe first local elections in 18 years will be held Dec. 14, conducted only five weeks after they were announced. Predictably, the opposition has vowed not to participate without a national dialogue about the current political situation, citing irregularities in the June 2003 presidential election that saw longtime ruler Gnassingbe Eyadema retain power as he has for the past 36 years. Unrest is possible. Consider deferring travel here until the election has passed.
(filed on November 24, 2003)
Africa : TunisiaThe April 11 attack on a synagogue on Djerba Island that killed 17, including 11 German tourists, was acknowledged to have been a terrorist attack by an al Qaeda splinter group. Rather than confront the West, the intent may have been to liberate an Arab "homeland." Rhetoric calling for the overthrow of "impure" regimes supported by Western governments has been an al Qaeda hallmark, and suggests that similar attacks could occur in other Middle East or Persian Gulf countries. The attack could also have been an attempt to damage Tunisia's important tourism industry in much the same way that the 1997 attack on tourists at Luxor in Egypt was aimed at destabilizing the country.
(filed on April 30, 2002)
Africa : UgandaThe U.S. Embassy has received reports that individuals are planning terrorist attacks against facilities and events associated with or funded by Americans and Britons in Uganda. The information has not been confirmed, but prudence suggests minimizing contact with such facilities or events in the near term.
(filed on June 12, 2001)
Africa : UgandaAfter a notorious rebel attack on a
tourist group in March 1999 in Bwindi Impenetrable
Forest, security has been significantly increased
in national parks across the country. But a recent
attack on a minibus in Murchison Falls National
Park claimed eleven lives. The raid was attributed
to the Lord's Resistance Army, a rebel group from
neighboring Sudan led by a man who claims to be a
spirit medium. Travel to Murchison Falls National
Park should be avoided until security has been
strengthened.
(filed on April 3, 2001)
Africa : UgandaAn outbreak of cholera in Kampala that killed two people has been blamed on locally bottled water or juice that was contaminated. Samples of both showed high counts of e. coli bacteria, prompting the Ugandan Health Ministry to ban sale of bottled water and soft drinks. The incident is a reminder that locally bottled products in developing countries can’t always be trusted, and travelers should be sure to drink boiled or treated water.
(filed on January 22, 2003)
Africa : UgandaThe U.S. Embassy in Kampala received a report of a threat against the embassy and the American Club, but the credibility of the information has not been confirmed. The embassy remained open, but the American Recreation Association closed Dec. 12-19 to review its security arrangements. The embassy encourages Americans to remain alert and "increase their security awareness."
(filed on December 17, 2003)
Africa : Western SaharaThe annual Paris-Dakar road rally may find hard going when it crosses from Morocco to Western Sahara, where the Polisario Front independence movement has threatened to take up arms against the intruders. The 6,200 mile race across southern Europe and North Africa is scheduled to begin in Paris Jan. 1. It should arrive at the Western Sahara border Jan. 4, and then all bets are off. Last year threats from Algerian terrorists prompted a rerouting of the race and an airlift of competitors. If you're competing this year or just along for the ride, expect disruptions, or worse.
(filed on December 26, 2000)
Africa : ZambiaThe recent experience of an American affiliated with the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka is a good reminder to keep your car doors locked when driving here, or anywhere in the world where street crime and car-jacking is rampant. At about noon he was waiting at a red light when someone opened the door and tried to drag him out. At the same time an accomplice opened the passenger door and grabbed a money belt on the floor filled with cash, passport and other valuables. Had the victim kept the doors locked and windows up he would have been a harder target and may not have been assaulted. If driving in a city where this kind of crime is common, keep windows closed and doors locked, scan both sides and check the rear-view mirror constantly, and leave yourself an escape route around the car in front of you. If you can see the car’s rear wheels touching the road you should have enough room to drive around it but not enough to allow another car to pull in and block you.
(filed on November 5, 2003)
Africa : ZimbabweThe Supreme Court has twice ruled that the taking of farms by squatters supported by the government is unconstitutional, antagonizing President Robert Mugabe and prompting his defense minister to vow to order the army to crush anti-government protesters in Harare. Mugabe has threatened to expel commercial farmers who continue to fight for their land in the courts. Tensions are high and likely to remain so. Demonstrations or other gatherings can become violent, and should be avoided.
(filed on December 5, 2000)
Africa : ZimbabweIts tourism industry in a shambles because of President Robert Mugabe’s determination to retain power at any cost, Zimbabwe has seen hotel occupancy rates at Victoria Falls plummet to four percent. For generations the falls, one of the world’s great natural wonders, has been a top African attraction. Now an Australian tourist was found slain in what appears to have been a robbery attempt at one of the most popular viewing areas, a fenced rain forest in the mist above the falls. The spot is supposedly well guarded.
(filed on January 8, 2003)
Africa : ZimbabweViolence has escalated in the "squatter" crisis, where supporters of President Robert Mugabe have taken over white-owned farms around the country. Teachers as well as farmers have been singled out for attacks, and the incidents have taken on the clear form of intimidation to try to prevent the ruling party falling from power in upcoming elections. Defer travel here until elections, and there fallout, have passed.
(filed on May 15, 2000)
Africa : ZimbabweDespite court rulings demanding that the government remove squatters from farms they've occupied the last several weeks, President Robert Mugabe has insisted he will not ask them to leave. Tensions are high in Harare and around the country as the crisis continues. A farmer was killed Apr. 18, three days after another farmer was killed and five others were severely beaten. Two opposition party members were also killed Apr. 15. Mugabe's position seems to be an effort to shore up support before parliamentary elections scheduled in May, which his party is expected to lose. Recent demonstrations in Harare have become violent, so avoid any large gatherings, and consider deferring travel to Zimbabwe.
(filed on April 18, 2000)
Africa : ZimbabweWorld Cup cricket matches are scheduled for late February here, and the Australian government has warned its citizens to consider avoiding travel to Zimbabwe to support their team. The warning is based on Australian intelligence that the opposition plans to use the matches as forums for demonstrations against President Robert Mugabe and his government, and all indications are that police would put down the protests forcefully. Australian officials are trying to persuade the International Cricket Council to move the matches to another country.
(filed on February 5, 2003)
Africa : ZimbabweIn an all-out effort to retain power in elections due in March, President Robert Mugabe declared a "real war" on his opponents, and given his recent history, he probably is not speaking figuratively. More than 30 people, most of them opposition supporters, were killed in violence provoked by Mugabe's party in the last parliamentary election in June 2000. A "real war" may become just that as the country's economy crumbles and Mugabe's grip on power weakens.
(filed on December 18, 2001)
Africa : ZimbabweThe country is in the middle of its worst
financial crisis since independence in 1980.
A 70 percent increase in the price of fuel has
caused strikes on the outskirts of Harare and
threats of violence if the government doesn't
rescind the move. Protesters are demanding that
bus fares, which have also increased
dramatically, be reduced. In other developments, an escalation
of violence against white farm owners has
occurred because the militant leader of land
occupations died of malaria and AIDS
complications. The situation is likely to remain
tense.
(filed on June 19, 2001)
Africa : ZimbabweSo-called veterans of the independence
war, who in the past year have occupied numerous
white-owned farms and conducted a campaign of
intimidation throughout the country, threatened to
attack foreign embassies and non-governmental
organizations that they felt were supporting the
opposition. The diplomatic community has taken the
threats seriously, especially considering the
deteriorating political climate in the country,
and have investigated ways to improve their own
security. The war veterans' leader later disavowed
the threat, but his actions in the past suggest
the threat may be real. Consider deferring travel
here.
(filed on May 1, 2001)
Africa : ZimbabweA deteriorating political situation has devastated the economy, causing high rates of inflation and unemployment and an increase in crime. Nationwide fuel shortages have disrupted transportation and about half the population faces food shortages and possible famine. Migration to the cities or border areas in the coming months is possible with an attendant increase in crime and instability. Only essential travel should be undertaken here.
(filed on January 29, 2003)
Africa : ZimbabweParliamentary elections that polls predict will be won by the opposition are set for June 24-25. The run-up to the election has been fraught with intimidation and violence sponsored by President Robert Mugabe and carried out by his supporters in a last-ditch effort to retain power. The aftermath could be bloody; travel here should be avoided until election results and their ramifications are known.
(filed on June 19, 2000)
Africa : ZimbabweTourism, once one of the country’s main foreign currency earners, has fallen tenfold since a policy to confiscate commercial farms began three years ago. The economy is in its worst crisis since independence in 1980, and crime against the few visitors who come to Zimbabwe is increasing, so much so that the government announced it would set up a special force of tourist police to protect visitors. When this special force will be in place is uncertain.
(filed on November 19, 2003)
Africa : Zimbabwe70,000 people, or almost 200 a day, are expected to die from AIDS in Zimbabwe this year. Authorities attribute the crisis to the refusal of young adults to take precautions when having sex. Assess the risks carefully if considering a romantic encounter while traveling here.
(filed on February 8, 1999)
Africa : ZimbabweThis country has been coming apart at the seams the past year, and with a presidential election planned for early next year the pressure is increasing. "Independence war veterans" ran rampant in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city, Nov. 16, torching opposition party offices and randomly beating shoppers and passersby, whites in particular. Eight German and Norwegian tourists were beaten at city hall. A day earlier, the U.S. government recalled all Peace Corps workers when the Zimbabwean government denied work permits for recent volunteers. Visits to Zimbabwe's main tourist attractions including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Mana Pools are still possible, but the climate of violence and fear extends throughout the country.
(filed on November 20, 2001)
Africa : ZimbabweArmed squatters have occupied more than 500 farms for the past month, trying to wrest control of the land from white owners. President Robert Mugabe, whose popularity has dropped precipitously in recent years, most recently with voter rejection of his hand-crafted new constitution which would have given him power to seize and redistribute white-owned farms without compensation, has said the squatters could stay despite court rulings to the contrary. The rift between Mugabe and the High Court suggests political instability and potential unrest in advance of April elections.
(filed on March 21, 2000)
Africa : ZimbabweFormerly one of southern Africa’s most efficient and appealing countries, Zimbabwe has been coming apart at the seams in recent years. It is in the throes of political and economic crises, and ill-conceived policies have decimated food production to the point that half the country is short of food and may face famine this year. If so, massive migration to urban or border areas could occur, and unrest would be likely. Nationwide fuel shortages have disrupted transportation, and crime has increased with the imploding economy.
(filed on January 28, 2004)
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Asia : AfghanistanWorldwide: It is impossible to say what the ramifications of the military attacks on Afghanistan by the U.S. and allies will be for travelers throughout the world, but special caution is called for. Anti-American sentiment is high in certain Islamic countries, most notably Pakistan and Indonesia, with tensions simmering throughout the Middle East and in Egypt. It is also impossible to say if the call for jihad by Osama bin Laden and certain religious leaders will be heeded by anyone other than bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist network. If it is, travel in Islamic areas could be especially risky. Americans should seek to blend in as much as possible and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Security has been tightened in just about all Western nations, both at airports and other sensitive sites in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. To assist U.S. citizens during the current worldwide crisis, the State Department has set up an official task force that operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 888-407-4747 or 317-472-2328.
(filed on October 9, 2001)
Asia : BangladeshElections here are usually accompanied
by violence, and trouble has already come even
though the next election won't be held until
mid-2001. A bomb at a political rally in Dhaka
Jan. 20 killed four people and sparked a general
strike that paralyzed the capital city the next
day. Such strikes are common, shut down public
transportation and often lead to violent
confrontations. Avoid all such gatherings and be
prepared for disruptions up to and following the
election.
(filed on January 22, 2001)
Asia : BangladeshThe U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has received death threats against Americans who live in residential areas near the Embassy. A warning from the Embassy reminds Americans that terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets, and the threat could extend to places where Americans and other foreigners congregate, such as restaurants, hotels, recreation sites, places of worship, resorts or beaches. Americans are advised to remain especially alert to their surroundings at this time.
(filed on July 8, 2003)
Asia : BangladeshGeneral elections will be held Oct. 1, and because of the country's history of violence before and during elections, some 60,000 additional security personnel will be deployed throughout the country to maintain order. Significant violence, including some 40 deaths, has occurred around the country in clashes between the two major political parties since the government was dissolved July 15. Consider deferring travel here until the election and its aftermath have concluded.
(filed on August 28, 2001)
Asia : BangladeshThree European engineers working on a
Danish road project in the southeastern part of
the country were kidnapped Feb. 16 in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts. Their abductors, believed
to be tribal insurgents, took them into the jungle
and are demanding a ransom. In Dhaka and the port
city of Chittagong, a general strike protesting
the government's inability to curb political
violence erupted into violence Feb. 15. Strikes
are likely to continue.
(filed on February 26, 2001)
Asia : BangladeshMonsoon rains have brought severe flooding to Bangladesh's Comilla district, displacing some 70,000 people, affecting half a million and threatening to wash out the highway linking the capital of Dhaka and Chittagong, the country's main port. The weather pattern suggests it'll get worse before it gets better. The coastal areas were also rocked by a magnitude 5.2 earthquake July 22 that killed three and destroyed some 500 homes on the island of Maheskhali, 185 miles south of Dhaka.
(filed on July 25, 1999)
Asia : BangladeshViolence has escalated in recent weeks
during general strikes known as hartals called to
force the ruling Awami League government to step
down. During such strikes all transport is banned,
and people have been pulled from rickshaws, taxis
and cars and harassed. Only essential travel
around the country should be undertaken at this
time, and during strikes it's best to stay off the
streets. The next hartal is planned for Apr. 23
and will last 72 hours. Further, a group of
suicide bombers killed nine and injured more than
20 Apr. 14 at a drama performance during Bangla
New Year's celebrations. Police have yet to
determine a motive or who was responsible.
(filed on April 16, 2001)
Asia : BangladeshGeneral strikes called by opposition parties crippled the country February 11. Five people were killed and hundreds injured. Another strike was planned during municipal elections February 22-25, and during these strikes businesses, ports, public buildings and transportation are usually shut down. Violence is common. More strikes are likely. Expect difficulties if traveling at these times, and avoid large gatherings.
(filed on February 27, 1999)
Asia : BangladeshGeneral strikes called by opposition parties crippled the country February 11. Five people were killed and hundreds injured. Another strike was planned during municipal elections February 22-25, and during these strikes businesses, ports, public buildings and transportation are usually shut down. Violence is common. More strikes are likely. Expect difficulties if traveling at these times, and avoid large gatherings.
(filed on February 27, 1999)
Asia : BangladeshHeavy monsoon rains have flooded large regions of Bangladesh and the Indian states of Assam and Bihar, killing more than 900 and displacing some 23 million people. Little relief appears to be in sight because forecasts call for continued rain. Dhaka, Bangladesh is suffering its second worst dengue fever epidemic ever, with 100 deaths from the disease since July, and hospitals are filled with dengue patients. Medical supplies to treat the disease are running low.
(filed on August 20, 2002)
Asia : BangladeshThe May 3 ferry sinking in the Meghna River that claimed the lives of at least 370 people is a reminder of the dangers inherent in this sort of travel. In a place where some 7,000 ferries carry 300,000 people around the country every day, one could argue that the safety record is pretty good, but often these vessels are barely seaworthy and too often they are overcrowded. There is a certain appeal to traveling the way the locals do, so minimize your risks by trying to take ferries only when the weather is good, and not during religious holidays, when overcrowding is more likely.
(filed on May 14, 2002)
Asia : BangladeshBanditry has increased dramatically in recent weeks on the roads between Dhaka and Aricha, Dhaka and Barisal, and Barisal and Banaripari. Several overnight buses have been held up either by bandits posing as passengers or gangs blocking roads. Avoid overnight bus travel.
(filed on February 21, 2000)
Asia : BangladeshThe worst bombing in Bangladesh's history
occurred at an office of the ruling Awami League
June 16, killed 22 and injured many others.
Ultra-right members of the opposition Bangladesh
Nationalist Party are being blamed by the
government in what appears to be an attempt to
influence elections planned for October. Such
political violence in the run-up to an election
is common here. This incident serves as a
reminder to avoid contact with political parties,
demonstrations or other political activities
because violence is often associated with them.
(filed on June 19, 2001)
Asia : BangladeshThe U.S. State Department reported receiving information of several possible threats to the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka and other U.S. interests in Bangladesh, and encourages Americans to be especially vigilant in areas frequented by foreigners. Further, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service released a report saying that Bangladesh may be becoming a haven for Islamic terrorists in South Asia, citing several attacks on cultural groups and the government’s failure to crack down on the perpetrators, who may have links to al Qaeda. Bangladeshi officials protested the report, saying there are no terrorist networks in the country.
Biswa Ijtema, the three-day annual World Congregation of Muslims that is the second-largest Muslim gathering in the world after the Hajj, will be held Dec. 27-29 on the banks of the Turag River 20 miles north of Dhaka at Tongi, Gazipur. Organizers expect about four million devotees from home and abroad to take part. Last year, more than three million Muslims from 52 countries gathered here peacefully despite rumors that international terrorist groups planned to disrupt the event.
(filed on December 17, 2003)
Asia : BangladeshMonsoon rains have brought severe flooding to Bangladesh's Comilla district, displacing some 70,000 people, affecting half a million and threatening to wash out the highway linking the capital of Dhaka and Chittagong, the country's main port. The weather pattern suggests it'll get worse before it gets better. The coastal areas were also rocked by a magnitude 5.2 earthquake July 22 that killed three and destroyed some 500 homes on the island of Maheskhali, 185 miles south of Dhaka.
(filed on July 31, 2000)
Asia : BangladeshThe American community in Dhaka, the capital, has been warned by the U.S. Embassy of death threats against Americans living near the U.S. Embassy. But regardless of your citizenship, if you are a western foreigner traveling in Dhaka, keep your wits about you when you are visiting places where other foreigners congregate, such as restaurants, clubs, churches, or resorts.
(filed on July 14, 2003)
Asia : BurmaThe military junta cracked down on democracy advocates and placed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest after clashes in northern Burma between her supporters and a junta-sponsored group produced at least four deaths and dozens of injuries (independent reports suggested up to 70 people died). Universities across the country have been closed indefinitely because they have been the sites of pro-democracy fervor in the past. Many of Aung San Suu Kyi’s supporters have been arrested, her party’s offices padlocked and their phone lines cut. Some analysts speculate that Burmese students may rise in protest and unrest could erupt if the word spreads about what has happened. The government keeps tight control over the media and little is being reported internally.
(filed on June 4, 2003)
Asia : ChinaAuthorities lifted a long-standing blocking of foreign media Web sites Oct. 18, just in time for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to meet in Shanghai, but within hours of the dignitaries' departure the blocks were back in place. The Web is heavily censored in China; travelers can access email at Internet cafes but should not expect to browse the Web at will. Monitoring software is required at such cafes to report on users attempting to access politically sensitive or pornographic material.
(filed on October 30, 2001)
Asia : ChinaTwo fatal plane crashes in less than a month might suggest that flying in China is a risky venture, but according to an analyst for aviation publisher Jane's, air travel in China is safer than ever because many of the country's Soviet-era aircraft have been replaced by modern Boeing and Airbus planes. Chinese air carriers invested heavily in new equipment after a series of accidents in the 1990s and have increased spending on training in recent years.
(filed on May 14, 2002)
Asia : ChinaChina has vigorously protested a recent
U.S. State Department warning to American
travelers of Chinese origin, calling it
"irresponsible." The warning states that there may
be a risk of detention for anyone who has engaged
in activities or published opinions critical of
Chinese government policies, including traveling
to Taiwan or being involved with Taiwanese media
organizations. The advisory was prompted by
several incidents of detention of U.S. citizens or
permanent residents, in many cases with no
evidence presented against them. At the time of
the April 19 warning at least two Americans were
being detained. Despite the Chinese government's
protests, the American traveler of Chinese origin
should indeed tread carefully, as China does not
function under the rule of law, but is, after all,
a repressive regime. Travelers of all races and
nationalities would do well to remember that.
(filed on April 24, 2001)
Asia : ChinaMore than a million residents of Beijing fell sick with the flu last winter and the Chinese capital is again bracing for an epidemic. Each year a new variation of the flu virus appears here and spreads around the world. Visitors who arrive from November on should consult their doctors for ways to avoid the virus. The World Health Organization recommends vaccination for the elderly and anyone with chronic diseases such as diabetes.
(filed on October 25, 1999)
Asia : ChinaThe Cold War-like intrigue over the U.S.
spy plane that collided with a Chinese fighter
before landing at a Chinese air base could lead to
a backlash against Americans in China. Security
has been increased in diplomatic neighborhoods in
Beijing while popular anger has been rising. In
May 1999, thousands of people attacked U.S.
diplomatic missions to protest the mistaken
bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade by U.S.
aircraft, and while this current incident is much
less serious than that one, popular passions are
unpredictable. Follow local reports for updates on
any protests and places to avoid.
(filed on April 3, 2001)
Asia : ChinaWorld Cup mania is reaching into more remote areas if recent riots in China's southeastern city of Fuzhou and Moscow are any indication. The riot in Moscow began when the Russian team was losing to Japan and drunken fans watching on big screens at Manezh Square near the Kremlin began throwing beer and vodka bottles. The event quickly turned into a riot and many people were injured and numerous businesses were looted before the crowd was brought under control. In Fuzhou, China, the riot started when, because of concerns about the size of the crowd, police switched off the big screen just as China's match with Costa Rica was about to begin. In their attempt to disperse the crowd, police enraged it, and riots lasted for two hours. If intending to watch World Cup action at outdoor big screen sites, bear in mind that sometimes these events degenerate into violence.
(filed on June 11, 2002)
Asia : ChinaTravel advisories about SARS from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not changed materially in the past week, but new cases of the disease continue to be reported in China and elsewhere. In China, the disease has spread outside of Guangdong Province and Beijing to provinces where the medical system is less advanced, including Fujian, Inner Mongolia and Shanxi, suggesting that a wider spread may develop. First cases have been reported in Indonesia, the Philippines and Sweden. A total of 22 countries have now reported suspected SARS cases.
(filed on April 15, 2003)
Asia : ChinaOrganized crime and corruption are so endemic that most Chinese feel China is a dangerous place to live, but the country's crime rate is among the lowest in the world. According to statistics compiled by an Australian researcher, China's homicide rate is about one-fourth that of the U.S., and one-seventh that of Russia's. For crimes such as robbery, assault and rape, the rate has remained essentially the same for 2o years.
(filed on June 25, 2002)
Asia : ChinaU.S.-Chinese relations reached their nadir with the accidental bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade in May, but conditions are improving. Trade talks between the two countries resumed this week in advance of a meeting between President Clinton and Chinese President Jiang Zemin at the Asia-Pacific summit in New Zealand Sept. 12-13. Anti-U.S. propaganda, which was at a fever pitch in May and June, has evaporated and travel conditions have pretty much returned to normal.
(filed on September 7, 1999)
Asia : ChinaA new airport serving Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, popular tourist spots in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, is expected to open in late September 2003, and according to officials, will accommodate Boeing 737 and Airbus 319 aircraft.
(filed on July 14, 2003)
Asia : ChinaBeijing is now the only place in the world where the World Health Organization (WHO) advises avoiding all but essential travel because of SARS.
(filed on June 18, 2003)
Asia : ChinaTo prepare for a possible SARS resurgence in the coming flu season, officials in the southern province of Guangdong have designated 158 hospitals to treat SARS patients, mandating that each facility have isolation wards and separate areas for labs, pharmacies, reception and cashiers, and an ambulance to isolate patients. Some 440,000 health care workers have also been trained to provide safe diagnosis, treatment and transport of SARS victims. Beijing has created an alert system to move quickly if a case is discovered in the capital. In more long term plans, China intends to spend more than a $1 billion in the next three years on medical centers and hospitals to combat infectious diseases. With the recent SARS scare in Singapore on everyone’s mind, a World Health Organization official said health officials need to be prepared for other SARS-like diseases in the years ahead.
(filed on September 17, 2003)
Asia : ChinaA ban on bicycles in China may seem the ultimate irony, and authorities in Shanghai are now beginning to understand that they might have erred in implementing such a ban last month. Shanghai is at the center of China’s booming economy, and in its efforts to modernize decided to prohibit bicycles from downtown streets. But Shanghai is still largely a city of cyclists who can’t afford cars. Automotive gridlock suggests that cars instead should be restricted, but the solution appears to be the construction of a bicycle path network throughout the city. Nine million cyclists can’t be wrong.
(filed on February 25, 2004)
Asia : ChinaInternet cafes are tightly regulated and access to the Web is censored here, but recently the Chinese government blocked access to Google and AltaVista search engines, fearing that they represented loopholes in the battle to control what the Chinese people read. Many sources of "sensitive information" get routinely blocked here, including major Western newspapers and media sites. For travelers this may mean minor inconveniences; for foreign businesspeople it could mean the difference between an enterprise's success or failure; for the Chinese, it means that obtaining unbiased information about world events and internal politics may be difficult if not impossible.
(filed on September 18, 2002)
Asia : ChinaKFC, the U.S. fast-food chain, has more than 1,000 outlets in China and plans to open hundreds more this year. It has just received authorization from the government to open shops in Tibet, so the arrival of Colonel Sanders on the Roof of the World is nigh. KFC openings have drawn big crowds in Chinese cities, but it remains to be seen how the Colonel will fare in Lhasa.
(filed on January 28, 2004)
Asia : ChinaMay 8 is the anniversary of the accidental bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade last year, and while China-U.S. relations returned to normal many months ago, tension could be high on and around the anniversary. Be prepared to keep a low profile and avoid demonstrations.
(filed on May 1, 2000)
Asia : ChinaFloods caused by heavy rains that began at the end of August forced the evacuation of half a million people in Shaanxi province. The Wei River, a tributary of the Yellow River, crested three times and threatened Weinan, a city about 30 miles east of Xian, home to China’s famous terra cotta warriors. Floods in the area are being called the worst in 20 years, but the loss of life has been considerably less than in other bad flood years. Travel in the region is likely to be disrupted until the rains subside.
(filed on September 10, 2003)
Asia : ChinaThe annual "yellow sands" that sweep down from the deserts of northern Asia and cover Beijing and surrounding areas have been at their most intense the last several weeks. Roads were blocked, planes diverted and visibility severely reduced Apr. 6. This year's sandstorms are reportedly the worst in a decade.
(filed on April 10, 2000)
Asia : ChinaHealth Alert: The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Asia continues to intensify, causing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to advise those planning nonessential travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Hanoi, Vietnam that they "may wish to postpone their trips until further notice." The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a similar advisory April 2 encouraging travelers to consider postponing all but essential travel to Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. WHO issued the advisory because about 20 cases in Hong Kong did not fit the typical pattern of transmission. The disease has been predominantly spread to health care workers or others who have come into close contact with infected persons, but in these Hong Kong cases the individuals did not appear to have been in such close contact. Travelers returning from places where the outbreak has occurred should be aware of the disease’s symptoms, which include a temperature of greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and evidence of respiratory illness including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, hypoxia (deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body), and X-rays indicating the presence of pneumonia. Cases have occurred in 15 countries around the world because travelers have flown internationally not knowing they were infected, but the highest concentrations have been in Guangdong Province of China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Hanoi, Vietnam. The governmen | |
