Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

There is a significant level of crime in Monrovia - including violent crime. The Liberian National Police has very limited capability to prevent or detect crime, or to provide emergency response in any part of the country. Levels of crime are much higher after dark, and we recommend that you do not walk anywhere in the city at night. You should avoid walking alone at any time.

 

Most crime is opportunistic theft, although there are some more organised criminal gangs. Thieves are often armed with knives or machetes, but occasionally also carry firearms. While Liberians are the main victims of crime, the relative wealth of international visitors makes them an attractive target for criminals when the opportunity arises. You should avoid carrying valuables in public and be vigilant at all times, especially at night.

 

There have been incidents of muggings of foreigners in the Mamba Point and Sinkor areas of Monrovia, where most international visitors stay. Criminals also operate in other areas frequented by foreigners, such as nightclubs and beaches. Accommodation occupied by international workers has occasionally been targeted by burglars. Thefts have occurred in taxis, and you are advised not to use local public transport.

 

There is a high incidence of rape in Liberia and there have been a number of rapes and attempted rapes involving expatriate women. For more information see rape and sexual assault abroad.

Breakouts from prisons around Liberia are a regular occurrence and the escapees rarely caught. On 16 May 2009, some 25 prisoners escaped from Monrovia central prison. Visitors should be aware that such people will be desperate to avoid capture and are likely to be armed; take extra care when approached by strangers and when driving through high density areas or off the main roads.

 

You are advised to consider your security arrangements carefully before your arrival in Liberia. You should ensure that you are supported by a reliable organisation with a comprehensive and adequate security plan. You should stay only in reputable accommodation with adequate guarding and other security arrangements, and arrange for transport for the duration of your stay, including travel to and from the airport.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Liberia country profile

The overall security situation in Liberia has improved following the end of conflict in 2003. A democratically-elected Liberian government is working closely with the UN and the international community to provide increased stability and development.

There will be a re-run of the Senate by-election on Tuesday 24 November in Montserrado County which includes Monrovia. All the main parties are organising protests, rallies and campaign marches through the streets, especially in the high density areas. Visitors are advised to avoid any large gatherings in case of potential clashes between supporters both before and after the election and to avoid areas where rallies are advertised in advance.

 

UN Peacekeepers from the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) are deployed to the main population centres around Liberia, and patrol the principal roads. They have the ability to deploy in any part of the country in response to any public order incidents or other threat to security. However, some more remote areas of the country may be patrolled only irregularly under normal conditions.

 

The security situation remains volatile. Localised protests over political developments, salaries or working conditions can quickly turn into violent demonstrations. You should avoid all crowds. The local security authorities, supported by UNMIL, respond to outbreaks of public disorder. In recent instances, demonstrations have dispersed with only low level violence.

The security situation in Liberia is assessed to have deteriorated slightly following a major disturbance in Harper in June and recent unrest by Guthrie Rubber Plantation  workers, the Guinean community, market traders and dismissed Inter-con guards. The controversial Population Threshold Bill and TRC Report remained key political issues and the demolition campaign in Monrovia remains a point of concern for the local population. The poorest people in the city are most affected by the destruction of  their homes, being left homeless during the rainy season.

 

Following the end of the conflict, a large number of weapons were collected through a voluntary disarmament programme, and the carrying of firearms other than hunting weapons is now banned.

On 10 June 09, approximately 200 persons gathered at JJ Dossen Hospital, Harper, following a reported case of murder earlier that morning. After failure to deliver a determination of whether the victim was a result of ritual killing on 11 June, a large mob formed – estimated to be above 2,000. The mob grew in size and violence and caused destruction at the hospital, the LNP station, the County Superintendent’s house, and total destruction of the Harper prison and the release of 34 prisoners. The medical official concerned has since disappeared, and LNP is pursuing both the prisoners and those who violently participated in the mob. The county imposed a night time curfew, and UNMIL has ordered reinforcement of troops to Harper.

Violent incidents, particularly in rural areas, are also possible as a result of land disputes, illegal mining and occupation of rubber plantations. Illegal rubber tappers have been responsible for a number of attacks on security forces in the Firestone rubber plantation, and you are advised to avoid travelling away from the major routes within the plantation. Organised groups of former combatants may be present in some inaccessible areas of the country with limited government and UNMIL presence, including Sinoe rubber plantation and Sapo National Park.

On 17 November 2007 a dispute with local communities over the expansion of the LAC rubber plantation in Grand Bassa county led to the fatal shooting of the plantation manager, a Belgian national. The murder is under investigation, and a number of arrests have been made, but tensions remain high. UNMIL has increased its patrols in the area of the plantation, but there is a possibility of further disturbances and we recommend that you avoid the area.

The political and security situation in some neighbouring countries is volatile. We advise against all but essential travel to areas of Liberia outside the capital, Monrovia. However, should you decide to travel outside Monrovia you should exercise particular caution if travelling in areas bordering Ivory Coast. Check the Travel Advice and latest situation in any countries that you will be transiting on your way to/from Liberia.

Local Travel

We advise against all but essential travel to areas of Liberia outside the capital, Monrovia, and in particular against spending the night outside Monrovia. UNMIL and the local security services are less able to offer assistance outside the capital. The availability of secure accommodation in most towns and in rural areas is very limited. Medical facilities are even more basic than in Monrovia, and in many areas non-existent.

Many organisations, including the UN and the US Embassy, impose restrictions on staff travel outside Monrovia. If you decide to travel outside Monrovia, you should avoid travelling alone, particularly at night and to secluded places.

You should not travel to Liberia unless you have made adequate security arrangements with a reliable organisation in advance of your arrival. You should also check the security situation before travelling to any part of the country, for example on UNMIL radio 91.5 FM.

You should be prepared to stop at checkpoints operated by UNMIL, the Liberian National Police, or other Liberian security authorities, which are found on roads throughout the country. You should also immediately pull over to the side of the road when instructed by security forces accompanying VIP convoys.

You should be aware that the Samuel K Doe Stadium in Monrovia can become overcrowded during major football matches or events.

The rainy season (May to November) makes travel to outlying areas particularly difficult and hazardous.

Roberts International Airport is around 30 miles from central Monrovia. There is no reliable public transport between the airport and the city centre. You should arrange for private transport in advance of arrival.

Public transport (including taxis) may be neither reliable nor safe; you are advised not to use local public transport.

Road Travel

Road conditions are generally poor. Apart from a small number of major roads in central Monrovia, all roads are unlit.

 

The roads from Monrovia to Roberts International Airport, to the border with Sierra Leone at Bo Waterside, and to the border with Guinea at Ganta are paved and in reasonable condition. Most other roads outside Monrovia are unpaved. Driving and road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season (May to November), and many roads may become impassable.

 

You should make precautionary arrangements for dealing with breakdowns with the general security situation in mind, including considering travel with more than one vehicle. Traffic accidents can quickly draw hostile crowds, who may attempt to take justice into their own hands. We advise that you use a local driver outside Monrovia and in the high density areas rather than driving oneself.

 

The standard of driving is generally poor. If driving yourself, you should be particularly alert to dangers from other vehicles swerving to avoid potholes and from taxis slowing or stopping unpredictably to pick up or drop off passengers.

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.  We advise that the list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union is taken into consideration when planning any regional travel in West Africa.

Any airline from outside the EU or European Economic area, which wishes to pick up or put down passengers or cargo in the UK, requires a permit from the Secretary of State. It is a condition of the permit that the airline should be operated in accordance with international safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. No airline registered in Liberia currently has a permit to land in the UK.

 

There are currently no commercial operators of domestic flights within Liberia.

For more general information see airline security.

River and Sea Travel

Liberia has many attractive beaches, but the Atlantic Ocean can be unpredictable and subject to rip tides and other dangerous currents. Swimmers should take care and consult local advice before entering the water. Canoes and fishing boats plying the coast and offering passenger services are regularly overwhelmed by strong waves and currents and are best avoided. In June a boat carrying some 40 passengers went down with only eight survivors.

For more general information see river and sea safety.