ANNUAL CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - CONAKRY 2009

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000032 DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/OSAC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC APER SUBJECT: ANNUAL CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - CONAKRY 2009 REF: 08 STATE 168473 08 STATE 132056 ¶1. Overall Crime and Safety Situation American citizens are well received in Guinea. Americans and foreign visitors are not regular criminal targets, however criminals, thieves, prostitutes, beggars, as well as corrupt officials, perceive U.S. and foreign visitors as lucrative targets. Criminals particularly target foreign visitors at the airport, in the markets, and near hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners. Residential and street crime is common but usually non-confrontational. Travelers should avoid unsolicited offers of assistance at the airport or hotels as these individuals may be seeking opportunities to rob visitor of their bags, purses, or wallets. Visitors who arrange to be met at the airport by hotel personnel or business contacts can reduce vulnerability to these crimes. Commercial scams and disputes with local business partners have occasionally created legal difficulties for U.S. citizens. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful business deals is extremely limited. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy. Computer scams are also on the rise usually by email solicitation or fax. These scams target private business personnel and non-governmental organization employees. In general, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay away from these scams; many business personnel have lost large quantities of money and have put themselves in danger by engaging in such deals. Travelers should read the U.S. Embassy's consular webpage prior to departing for a trip to Guinea and should register with the U.S. Embassy upon entry to Guinea. Travelers should also leave an itinerary, complete with travel plans, destinations and telephone contact numbers with someone of trust before embarking on a trip to Guinea. ¶2. Political Violence In December 2008, the military seized power in Guinea following the death of President Conte. The potential for civil unrest and disorder remains present. Strikes, political rallies, sporting events, protest marches, accidents, and general mass gatherings can quickly erupt into riots, which may result in arson, looting, or the stoning of persons, facilities, or vehicles. In addition, vehicle accidents always attract a large audience of young people, and these youths have a propensity for acts of civil unrest when gathered in large groups. The borders between Guinea, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone are strictly controlled. Leaving the country is possible, but re-entry across these borders can be challenging. ¶3. Post Specific Concerns Guinea's road networks, both paved and unpaved, are underdeveloped and unsafe. Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained and there are few traffic signs. Livestock and pedestrians create constant road hazards. Drivers are poorly trained and road safety rules are routinely ignored. Nighttime travel is not advisable because of the large number of animals and people on the roads. Further, most roadways have no street lights and vehicles frequently operate without headlights. Defensive driving is crucial, as drivers commonly pull in front of other vehicles or stop abruptly without warning. Equipment on many local vehicles and taxis do not function, such as turn signals, mirrors, headlights, tail lights. Be alert to motorcycles when changing lanes or when you are stopped in traffic. Drivers should pay attention to side streets to avoid being hit from the side and always wear seatbelts. When making cross-lane turns, always check rearview mirrors. It is not uncommon for traffic to pass on the side you are turning, even when you are using turn signals. Public transportation vehicles are both unsafe and overcrowded. The embassy strongly discourages Americans from using public transportation. There are reports of passengers being attacked and robbed. Beware of taxis and mini-buses pulled over to the side of a road. Drivers often re-enter the roadway without looking. ¶4. Police Response Local authorities are poorly equipped and trained. At this time, there are no telephones numbers listed for public use in case of an emergency. Local authorities have little or no emergency response capabilities and usually require the victim to drive them from the police station to the accident or crime scene. Many officials in Guinea solicit bribes and are often involved as co-conspirators in criminal activities. Victims of crime should to immediately notify the U.S. Embassy in Conakry. ¶5. Medical Emergencies Guinea does not have hospital care comparable to U.S. standards; however, there are several private clinics and services available to address many types of emergencies. Diseases such as malaria, including cerebral malaria, hepatitis, and intestinal disorders, are endemic. There are four hospitals and clinics in the Conakry area: These numbers include the country code. In Guinea use only the last eight digits. Clinique Pasteur, Dr. Ben Baba + 224 64 28 91 21 Clinique Ambroise Pare, Dr. Saad, Director, + 224 64 25 13 44 Cabinet Medical, Dr. Maria G. Doumbouya, + 224 64 25 13 44 International Medical Center, Dr. Rodingher, + 224 60 29 71 17 Serious medical problems may be stabilized in Conakry while awaiting medical evacuation. There is no private air ambulance service in Guinea. Medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended for travelers visiting Guinea. If medical evacuation is necessary, arrangements can be made with the following international private air ambulance service: S.O.S. Air Ambulance www.internationalsos.com London, England + 44 (0)20 8762 8008 Geneva, Switzerland + 41 22 785 6464 Pretoria, South Africa + 27 (11) 541 1300 S.O.S. Medicines Dakar Dakar, Senegal +221-33 889-1515 or sosmeddk@sentoo.sn M.R.I. Air Ambulance Gaborone, Botswana +267 3901601 ¶6. Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim Hotel Security Conakry offers several inexpensive hotels to travelers. Basic safety guidelines include: * Do not discuss your business or travel plans in public areas where they can be overheard. * Selecting a hotel room on the third to fifth floors generally will keep you out of reach of criminal activity from the street but still within reach of fire escape ladders in case of an emergency. * Pay all bills in cash. * Do not entertain strangers in your room. * Never leave valuables in your hotel room exposed or unattended, even if locked in a suitcase. Place valuables such as money, jewelry, airplane tickets, passports, and credit cards in a hotel safe deposit box. * Familiarize yourself with escape routes in case of fire or other catastrophe. * Lock your doors and use the bolt lock whenever you are in your room. Use the door viewer before opening the door to any visitor. * Report any suspicious activity to the hotel manager/security officer immediately. Street Safety and Personal Security Personal awareness is your best defense. By being aware and taking a few basic security measures, travelers can significantly reduce their vulnerability. While departing a hotel or residence, driving or exiting a vehicle, travelers should pay attention their surroundings. Visitors should make eye contact and acknowledge those who may be observing their movements. Along walking and driving routes, identify safe havens where one could seek refuge or help if followed. Criminals, as well as terrorists, will look for established patterns. Vary the times and routes for all travel, and reduce predictable behaviors. When possible, travel during daylight hours and in the company of another person. Share travel plans with a friend or business associate. Do not walk or ride bikes in Conakry after dark. Avoid poorly lit streets, alleyways, and side streets. The electricity service in Conakry is unreliable and visitors could find themselves on a dark street at anytime. Also, travelers should wear little or no jewelry when shopping, or in crowded areas. Be alert when carrying handbags and never flash money, no matter how little. Money should be divided into small amounts and secured in different pockets. Carry only the amount of money needed. Cellular telephones should be used cautiously in public. They are easily snatched and are a prime target for thieves. If confronted, do not resist. The assailant or assailants may be armed and have the advantage of surprise. It is better to lose money, jewelry or other valuables than to risk serious injury. Driving Safety Drivers should always lock doors and close windows and should only open vehicle windows enough to converse, if necessary. While driving, keep valuables out of sight or locked in the trunk. Thieves have been known to reach in open windows and open doors of stopped vehicles and grab items before passengers have time to respond. Always attempt to leave a car length distance between vehicles, especially while stopped in traffic. Always be attentive for signs of a potentially dangerous situation developing ahead, such as a large crowd or a large police presence in order to change routes to avoid risk. If the need arises, most vehicles can drive over any curb or barrier that is lower than the car bumper, if driven over at a slight angle. Travel Outside of Conakry For travel outside Conakry, prior planning is essential to ensure fuel points, lodging, as well as food and water availability. Additionally, U.S citizens can check with American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy prior to departing for up-to date information. Additional Safety Information All visitors to Guinea should have a passport, visa, and inoculation card. It is best to have a copy of any original documents such as passport, driver's license, and insurance papers, to present to officials, who may attempt to keep the document until a bribe is paid. Do not transport persons who have no identification on their person. Doing so will bring police suspicion upon the driver and increase the chance of an incident during a routine roadblock. While in Guinea, it is advised to restrict photography to private gatherings. Explicit permission from the Guinean government should be obtained before photographing military and transportation facilities, particularly airports, government buildings or public works. Visitors who take photographs without permission in any public area may agitate security personnel or create offense among those being photographed. ¶7. Further Information All Americans should register with American Citizen Services when they arrive in Guinea. The U.S. Embassy maintains a liaison with local law enforcement officials and is available to assist American citizens during their stay in Guinea. The following contact information is provided: U.S. Embassy Conakry 224 65 10 40 00 Regional Security Officer 224 65 10 42 56 American Citizen Services Officer 224 65 10 43 34 After Hours American Citizens Services Officer 224 64 32 43 41 The nearest OSAC Country Council is in Dakar, Senegal. The Regional Security Office in Conakry will provide country briefings for representatives of American businesses and organization as requested. RASPOLIC