Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism/Security

In November 2004, mob violence led to several thousand foreign nationals leaving, or being evacuated from, Ivory Coast. There have been sporadic incidents of violence and civil unrest throughout the country, notably in Abidjan and the west since.  The response of the Ivorian forces has been variable.  

In March 2007 a new agreement was reached between the main protagonists of the Ivorian crisis.  Steps are being taken to re-integrate the north, formerly controlled by the rebel New Forces, and south which was controlled by forces loyal to President Gbagbo.  As a result the security situation has improved but you should remain vigilant. There is a possibility of a deterioration of law and order around the elections, which were scheduled for 29 November 2009, but have been postponed at an as yet unspecified date.  

We advise against all but essential travel to all areas north of Bouaké and west along a line from the towns of Seguela and Guiglo as these regions are experiencing sporadic disturbances linked to the disarmament process for the former rebel forces and the presence of armed militias.

In the 18 Montagnes and Moyen Cavally regions of western Ivory Coast the militias are currently keeping a low profile but there are reports of banditry and vehicle theft in these areas.  In the north members of the former rebel forces staged demonstrations in Bouake, Seguela, and Vavoua in June 2008 and strikes in May 2009.

UK nationals should exercise caution when visiting Abidjan and areas of the country south of Bouaké and East along a line from the towns of Seguela and Guiglo.  You should review your personal security arrangements carefully and seek professional security advice if travelling outside of Abidjan.

There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks (although unlikely) could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For more details see Terrorism abroad.

Crime

There is a risk of crime in Abidjan, including violent crime, car-jackings, armed break-ins to private residences and hold-ups in the street, and stealing from cars.  Weapons circulate freely.

You should be particularly cautious after dark.  Do not walk around at night and avoid using taxis.  Avoid driving late at night.  Avoid crossing the two bridges over the lagoon in Abidjan on foot, even in daylight hours - as there is a risk of pickpockets and other opportunistic crime and  the two bridges are also areas where demonstrations and road blocks occur.

British nationals resident in the UK and European nationals are increasingly becoming targets by scam artists operating in West Africa.  The scams come in many forms: romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities, the facilitation of money (for internet dating scams see below), and can pose great financial risk to victims.  

British nationals are also being targeted by West African scam artists through internet-based dating sites. The scam artists assume the false identity of a foreign national (sometimes British) working and living in West Africa. In some instances the impostor has informed their foreign friend that they have been hospitalised or arrested and need money quickly. In other cases foreigners have come to West Africa to meet the person with whom they have been in contact only to be kidnapped and become the victim of financial extortion.  If you receive a claim that an associate is in difficulty in Ivory Coast, you should check with the individual before becoming involved in transferring any money.  

You should treat with considerable caution any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa. For further information on advance-fee-fraud please see: www.met.police.uk/fraudalert/419.htm

For more general information see Victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Cote d'Ivoire Country Profile

Local Travel

We advise against all but essential travel to all areas north of Bouaké and west along a line from the towns of Seguela and Guiglo.  You should always seek professional local advice before embarking on any travel to these areas. You should take precautionary measures if you intend to travel anywhere off the beaten track.  Despite the UN presence in the west of the country, armed militias are present in many areas.  Although they are keeping a low profile it is possible that they will become more active during the  run-up to the presidential elections, which were scheduled for 29 November 2009 but have been postponed to an as yet unspecified date. In the area between Duékoué and Odienne, armed elements are often under the influence of drink or drugs.

Roadblocks

You should be alert to the possibility of roadblocks, including those manned by protesters.  These are a common means of expressing political grievance, particularly in Abidjan and close to the Universities.  You should be aware that the protestors are sometimes violent and can be hostile to foreigners.  Roadblocks can appear in a short space of time, at multiple locations and at any time of day, including in the early morning.  The sudden appearance of piles of tyres by the side of the road can indicate the preparation of a road block.

If you are faced with a roadblock or other protest, the risk of violence may be minimised by either taking alternative routes or by simply turning around.  Do not attempt to force a way through as this may place you at greater risk.

Checkpoints

Throughout the country, including in Abidjan, the army and police operate checkpoints at city or town limits, particularly after dark.  They target taxis and civilian vehicles. You should avoid confrontation with the police and security forces and co-operate politely if you need to pass through a checkpoint.  Police will request vehicle documents and passenger ID.  The authorities have launched a crack down on racketeering which appears to be reducing random demands for money (and making it harder for drivers to side step regulations). They have launched a hot line to report racketeering – Tel: 20 21 21 82 or 06 57 00 93.Police will frequently impose small fines.  You should expect them to provide a receipt for any fine paid.  If your car and papers are in order you should be able to pass through without paying although this may necessitate a long and patient wait.

Some access roads to major towns are closed from midnight to 06:00.  This applies to the western approach road to Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, San Pedro and all other major towns in the south.  You should seek local advice about whether a “corridor” or “secured route” is in operation.  Checkpoints will be more rigorous at night and you should avoid attempting to pass through after dark. 
 

Road Travel

Drivers should be aware that grass or leaves strewn in the carriageway often means an accident or other hazard ahead. Road quality can vary considerably and broken down vehicles may be almost invisible after dark.  Many vehicles driving on rural roads will not have working head or tail lights.

Air Travel

The European Commission has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline security.