Update on Africa - Djibouti, Gabon and DRC
20 July 2015 RPS Partnership
Djibouti
U.S. Department of State warns of terrorist threat to foreign nationals.
On 17 July 2015 the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Warning for its citizens in Djibouti. The warning continues to advise travelers of the risk of terrorism in Djibouti, specifically stemming from the Somalia-based Islamic militant group al-Shabaab, which has made repeated threats against Djibouti for its involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Travellers are advised that attacks may target government buildings or other locations where foreign nationals are known to gather and that they should remain vigilant in public areas.
Gabon
Security forces to search all individuals wearing face veils.
On 18 July 2015 Gabonese officials authorized security personnel to search all individuals wearing the full-face Islamic veil, or burqa. The decision - which allows police to search any individual wearing the face covering while on the street, in a workplace or in a public area - is a new security measure and comes after a suicide attack in neighboring Cameroon by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
The Nigeria-based group frequently uses such garments to avoid suspicion during attacks. Authorities in Chad and northern Cameroon have recently announced bans on face-coverings amid increases in regional security; Gabon has yet to ban the veil completely. Travelers in Gabon are advised to heed all local security directives and to remain vigilant while traveling in public.
Togo
Overland travel disruptions persist in Kpalime following heavy rains.
Ongoing flooding in the southwestern city of Kpalime has resulted in significant travel disruptions and infrastructure damage as of 18 July 2015. Severe inclement weather has damaged multiple residences and businesses and blocked numerous roadways; local reports indicate that settlements along the Agba Fiandji River have been the most severely affected.
Travellers and businesses operating in Kpalime are advised to closely monitor this developing situation and obey all government and security directives.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Ethiopia Airways flights to Goma suspended, resulting in protests.
On 18 July 2015 the Congolese government suspended Ethiopian Airlines' flights from Addis Ababa to the eastern city of Goma via Kampala, Uganda. Government officials indicated the suspension is due to the need for upgrades at Goma International Airport (FZNA/GOM). However, residents have rallied against the decision to halt flights, claiming the decision was made to protect the interests of shareholders in the local airline Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation.
Travellers in the region are advised to monitor this developing situation and to avoid all associated demonstrations as a security precaution.
Contact [email protected] for more information on travel to this region. Check out our hostile environment courses http://www.rpspartnership.com/training-courses/hostile-environments-training/
Photo: RPS Partnership working in DRC training local journalists
Information with thanks to AIG Travel alerts