Threats in Egypt are changing - be cautious around the 30th June in Egypt
Egypt is not the place it was before the Revolution, in the words of Egyptians who live and work there.
RPS Partnership has just completed a two week training project in Egypt working for a major oil and gas company. We have talked to local security sources who are telling us that peoples attitudes in Egypt are changing, because of the uncertainty around their own personal security issues.
Traffic jams and road traffic collisions take place on a daily basis and still continue to be one of the biggest risks in cities and in the rural areas on transit routes.
Crimes are on the increase and local statistics show that there is a marked increase in some types of crime pre and post Revolution; the latest statistics being from 2012. Murders have increased threefold, theft fivefold and armed robberies twelvefold; from 233 to 2807. Break-ins in homes have doubled. Some of the figures may well be a reflection that confidence is being restored in the police and that people are now reporting more incidents.
Tribal issues, where the Bedouins demands for money and the release of prisoners have meant that kidnap is still a risk in certain areas of Egypt; particularly in the Sinai areas. Kidnapping for these community related issues normally mean that they are of short duration.
It is worth reading the travel advice from the fco.gov.uk for the latest incidents in the Sinai and it is worth remembering that just because you may be on holiday it does not make you invincible.
Travel by train from Cairo to Alexandria is a common thing to do and whilst an efficient means of travel, it is certainly one which requires you to have your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings; look out for unusual behaviour around you. Street children are everywhere and as a foreigner you will feel eyes on you as soon as you enter and people will try to distract you. Be situationally aware.
RPS Partnership advises that you keep all valuables hidden away and spread around your person and luggage. Ensure you have locks on all your luggage as a deterrent. When you get on the train, take your luggage into the carriage with you and put it in the overhead rails; don’t leave it in the luggage racks in the connecting corridors; it is likely to go walk about!
The lack of police presence on the streets may have something to do with ladies still being hassled, with men exposing themselves being a common occurrence. It is important for foreigners to avoid any protests, which often take place on a Friday after prayers.
The planned protests on the 30th June will see anti- Mursi supporters take to the streets of all major cities with pro Mursi followers doing the same. This will undoubtedly lead to a clash of two political leanings with the security forces on the fringes. If the predicted violence does erupt, the security forces will have to restore order and may use robust tactics to do so; water canons, tear gas to name a few.
The police have said that they may go on strike on the 30th June, which would mean that the Army may have to step back onto the streets; something which noone wants to see.
All foreigners are advised by RPS Partnership to stay at home or avoid travel in and around cities from after prayers on Friday 28th June until the evening of Sunday 30th June.
For further information and advice/assistance with your travel plans to Egypt please contact [email protected]
Photo: Protests in Alexandria (photos.oregonlive.com)