Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism

 

There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should be aware that there is a high threat of terrorism and kidnap in neighbouring Mauritania and Mali.  You should take particular care in remote areas of Senegal along the borders with these countries.

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

 

Crime

 

Pick pocketing and street crime (including in taxis), occasionally involving violence, are common in parts of Dakar, particularly around Place de l'Independence, the central area of the Plateau, the Western Corniche, and the airport. You should take sensible precautions, avoid walking alone in the late afternoon and after dark and avoid carrying valuables in public.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

 

Senegal Country Profile

 

The political situation in Senegal is generally calm and stable.  Strikes and demonstrations do occur, particularly around the University on Route de Ouakam and around the areas of Colobane and Medina.  Some demonstrations have turned violent and resulted in the police using tear gas to break up groups of protesters. Demonstrations are usually announced a day or two in advance in the local newspapers and on local radio stations. You should be alert to this risk and avoid all demonstrations and protests.
 

Local Travel

The Casamance region of south-western Senegal (between the southern border of Gambia and the northern border of Guinea-Bissau) remains affected by incidents involving armed separatist groups and by incidents of banditry, particularly though not exclusively in the regions of Bignona and Sindian.

It has been reported that on 8 June 2009 three people were killed by unidentified armed men in two separate attacks near the village of Kataba, 45 miles north-west of Ziguinchor.  In 2008 there were several incidents where between five and fifteen cars were ambushed and their passengers robbed, sometimes violently, by armed men.  There were also at least two clashes between the Senegalese army and suspected elements of the MFDC (the Movement of the Democratic Forces of Casamance – an armed separatist group) resulting in injuries and deaths.  In May 2008, villagers harvesting cashew nuts in an area 15 km to the east of Ziguinchor were attacked by armed men claiming to be members of the MFDC; more than 15 villagers had an ear cut off.  

We therefore advise against all road travel in the Casamance region to the west of Kolda, other than on the main road from Ziguinchor to Cap Skiring which is often used by groups of tourists during daylight hours.  If you travel on this route, we advise that you do so only during daylight hours and that you monitor the local security situation before travelling.  In June 2009 the Senegalese government announced that the N4 and N5 roads in the Casamance region will be closed each night from 1800 to 0600.

Land mines also remain a problem in Casamance and de-mining operations are continuing.  A non-governmental organisation operating in Casamance has recorded more than 1,000 deaths from land mines since 1990. In 2008, there have been reports of three incidents involving land mines, which have resulted in death and serious injury.  In 2006 a foreign national was killed when her vehicle hit a newly placed mine on an unpaved road.  You should take local advice and stick to paved roads.

You should exercise caution if travelling in areas of Senegal near the border with the Republic of Guinea.  A military coup took place in Guinea on 23 December 2008.  In November 2008 there were a number of reports of armed attacks taking place in the area of Linkering, near to the Senegalese border with Guinea.

Road Travel

 

While some main roads are of good quality, other roads can be poor especially during the rainy season (July-October). Driving standards are unpredictable.  Some taxis and public mini-buses ('car rapide') would not be considered roadworthy by UK standards.  Traffic in the Dakar area is heavy and you need to take particular care and attention to avoid accidents. Driving after dark carries added hazards because of poor lighting both of streets and other vehicles.  If you do have an accident you must contact the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene. In more remote areas outside of the main cities you may need to go direct to the nearest police station to report the incident there.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  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.