Travel Alerts
26 January 2011
Special Advisory - Papua New Guinea: Exercise caution as tensions remain high in Port Moresby following mutiny at military barracks (Revised 08.45 GMT)
Local sources indicate that the Supreme Court on 26 January reinstated Fred Yakasa as commissioner of the police. Yakasa was previously appointed by former prime minister Michael Somare (1975-80; 1982-85; 2002-11), though Prime Minister Peter O'Neill replaced him with Tom Kalunga during the constitutional crisis in December 2011. In response, supporters of Kalunga reportedly blockaded the police headquarters, located on Champion Parade in the Konedobu area of the capital Port Moresby; the blockade has since been cleared.
Armed police officers are guarding key government buildings in Port Moresby including the government printing office , though there are no significant restrictions on movement within the city. However, some roads leading into the Murray and Taurama military barracks, located in the Boroko (4 mile) area of Port Moresby and around eight miles (12km) south-east of the capital respectively, are closed.
Air Niugini and Airlines PNG have cancelled all domestic flights between Port Moresby and Lae (Morobe province), Vanimo (West Sepik province), Wewak (East Sepik province) and Kiunga (Western province) which are all locations with military barracks indefinitely.
The developments come after around 30 soldiers, led by retired Col Yaura Sasa, stormed the defence force headquarters in Port Moresby at around 03.00 (local time) on 26 January and placed military commander, Brig Francies Agwi, under house arrest. Sasa claims that he is the new military commander. He has called on Governor-General Michael Ogio to reinstate Somare, asked O'Neill to recall parliament, and given MPs seven days to resolve the political crisis. Negotiations between the respective parties are taking place to resolve the situation. Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah has stated that 15 of the mutinous soldiers supporting Sasa have so far been arrested.
Comment and Analysis
The situation in the capital is tense but calm, with no further reports of public unrest. However, there is a risk of small protests breaking out, especially in the vicinity of the parliament and government houses. The risk of protest activity will increase if the Supreme Court upholds its December 2011 decision to reinstate Somare which the reinstatement of Yakasa appears to suggest it may or if the political negotiations are protracted. However, while precedent indicates that demonstrations in the country can quickly degenerate into violence, a serious outbreak of unrest remains unlikely at this stage; protests are more likely to be disruptive due to the use of roadblocks. Although the developments within the police are an unpredictable factor in the crisis, elements within the force are unlikely to use violence to compel a political outcome. Furthermore, pro- and anti-Somare factions within the defence forces, which are currently in their barracks under lockdown, are unlikely to intervene. Businesses and commercial establishments may close during times of heightened tension in the capital.
The Supreme Court ruled on 12 December 2011 that the August parliamentary election of O'Neill as prime minister was unconstitutional and that Somare, who was disqualified from parliament earlier in the year following lengthy absences from the country to receive medical treatment, legally remained the nation's prime minister. However, Ogio on 19 December reinstated O'Neill as prime minister, who claimed the political crisis was over. Although O'Neill has the support of the governor-general, the majority in parliament, the police and the military who in December refused to intervene on Somare's behalf Somare has continued to claim that he is the legitimate prime minister. However, without the support of the wider military a negotiated solution is likely to be reached in the near term. The next general election is scheduled for June.
Travel Advice
- Travel to Papua New Guinea can continue with stringent security precautions.
- Travellers with itineraries requiring internal flights over the coming days should confirm the status of their flight and have contingency plans in place in the event they are delayed or cancelled.
- We continue to advise against all but essential travel to Port Moresby, Lae, the Highlands and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville due to the risk posed by violent crime.
- Personnel in Port Moresby should avoid the immediate vicinity of the Murray Military Barracks, Taurama Barracks, parliament and Government House due to the potential for unrest at these locations.
- Protest activity may rapidly descend into violence. Avoid all demonstrations and vacate an area immediately if a crowd or large group of security forces begins to gather.
- In the event of unrest occurring, where possible to do so safely, return to your accommodation immediately and remain there until the situation has stabilised.
- Monitor the local security situation through local media and contacts.
22 January 2011
Special Advisory - Yemen: Closure of Sanaa airport by disgruntled soldiers, continuing protests in capital reminder of volatile security situation (Revised 17.37 GMT)
Disgruntled troops on 22 January used armoured vehicles to block runways at the capital's Sanaa International Airport (SAH), demanding the removal of air force chief Major General Mohammed Saleh, the brother of outgoing president Ali Abdullah Saleh. Incoming flights have been diverted to Al Hudaydah (Al Hudaydah province), Taiz (Taiz province) and Aden (Aden province). The disturbances occurred after around 600 soldiers commenced a protest during a speech by the air force chief, prompting his bodyguards to reportedly fire shots in the air in response. The authorities have deployed additional security personnel to the facility.
Meanwhile, thousands of people took to the streets in the capital and rallied at Taghyeer (Change) Square outside the Sanaa University campus to denounce an amnesty law granting the outgoing president immunity from prosecution for any crimes committed during the 33 years of his rule. The demonstrators, who are demanding Saleh's trial and execution, also attempted to march towards the US embassy located on Saawan Street, but were prevented by the security forces. Reports indicate that Saleh on the same day left for Oman, where he is expected to stay for a short duration before proceeding to the US for medical treatment.
Comment and Analysis
Disruption to flights can be expected to persist at Sanaa airport until the situation is resolved. Furthermore, there is a potential for clashes between troops staging a sit-in at the facility and the security forces if the former refuse to disperse. Despite Saleh's reported departure, the persistence of protests against him and high-ranking officials perceived as supporters of his regime is reflective of the considerable resentment over a power transfer deal backed by the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). Although the authorities have amended the amnesty legislation by reducing the scope of immunity to the president's aides, the move is unlikely to appease anti-Saleh demonstrators. As such, protests calling for the government to revoke its amnesty decision can be expected to persist in the capital and other major cities. Furthermore, Saleh's declaration in a televised speech on 22 January that he intended to return to the country for the swearing-in ceremony of the next president and his previous proposal to pursue politics as an opposition figure' are likely to keep tensions exacerbated in the lead-up to elections, currently scheduled for 21 February. Furthermore, reports of a rift between Vice-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and Saleh indicate that the former's transitional government continues to face considerable challenges in its efforts to prepare the country for the polls. Although some progress on the part of the current administration has slightly reduced the potential for another major deterioration in the security environment, the situation in the capital remains highly volatile and subject to outbreaks of unrest, which may occur with little warning.
Supporters of the rebel al-Houthi group are also staging protests to demand Saleh's trial, with thousands of them on 7 January commencing a march from Al Hudaydah to Sanaa. The Houthi rebels, who have waged a decade-long insurgency against Saleh's regime, have also vowed to protest against the main opposition parties who have supported the GCC-backed deal. Meanwhile, the continued presence of pro-Saleh troops in the streets of Sanaa, as well as forces loyal to tribal leader Sadiq al-Ahmar in the Hasaba district of the capital, who has also called for the prosecution of Saleh, means that skirmishes between rival forces, which can involve the use of heavy weapons, may continue. Violence between the security forces and protesters or militia is expected to continue in the short-to-medium term. Tear gas and live ammunition are regularly used by the security forces to break up protests. Such incidents pose significant indirect risks to bystanders.
Additionally, travel to and within locations affected by protests or occupied by opposition militias particularly Hasaba, Taghyeer Square, government buildings and the presidential palace in the capital remains vulnerable to disruption without warning. Fuel and power shortages are likely to pose persistent difficulties to business travellers and expatriates, while movement restrictions such as checkpoints manned by armed tribesmen or the security forces may also continue to be encountered. The economy has effectively ground to a halt as a consequence of the lengthy unrest, with frequent shortages of power, water, food and fuel in turn aggravating discontent. Even in the unlikely event of a smooth political transition, the country's longstanding and severe socio-economic and security challenges cannot be solved in the short-to-medium term and the overall HIGH risks associated with travel to Yemen will therefore endure.
Travel Advice
- Minimise movement in the vicinity of Sanaa airport and surrounding areas until the situation is resolved. Personnel scheduled to travel to or from the facility should contact their airline and reconfirm flight schedules.
- Anticipate increased spot-checks and carry relevant identification documents to ease passage through checkpoints.
- Defer all travel to Sanaa and Taiz because of the instability affecting both cities; defer all non-essential travel to other parts of Yemen.
- Where possible to do so in a secure and orderly manner, all but key skeleton staff should withdraw from Sanaa.
- Personnel in areas affected by anti-government violence should minimise movement and move only for the purpose of reaching a more secure location.
- Demonstrations periodically descend into violence. Avoid all large public gatherings due to the credible risk of violence; do not stop to watch or photograph them. In the event of unrest, return to your accommodation immediately and remain there until the situation has stabilised.
- Monitor the local media and our website for updates.
20 January 2011
Special Advisory - Nigeria: Curfew imposed following multiple attacks by extremist sect in Kano (Revised 21.40 GMT)
A series of explosions occurred at around 17.15 (local time) on 20 January in the northern city of Kano (Kano state). A car bomb reportedly targeted the city's police headquarters, located on Police Barracks Drive in the west of the city; at least three people were killed. Reports also suggest that the State Security Service headquarters, located on Sardauna Avenue, was targeted. The other explosions occurred on New Road in Sabon Gari and at a police station on Zaria Avenue in the Yarakwa area. Some of the attacks also reportedly involved gunfire; the authorities have cordoned off the affected areas. The police imposed a 24-hour curfew in the city following the explosions.
Comment and Analysis
Personnel in the city can expect the curfew to remain in place until late on 21 January, or until the situation is deemed to be under control. Restrictions on movement may be extended if sporadic shoot-outs continue or further attacks are carried out in the city.
The Islamist extremist sect Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the attacks; a spokesperson for the group claimed it was retaliation for the authority's refusal to release members of the group arrested in Kano. The city has until recently been largely unaffected by the activities of Boko Haram, which has carried out several similar co-ordinated attacks on multiple targets in other northern cities. As such, the authorities are likely to heighten security in the city in the immediate aftermath of the bombings particularly around facilities associated with the government and security forces.
The latest bombings in Kano underscore the growing geographical scope of the militant group's campaign and the associated risks to visiting personnel. Although the Boko Haram has, as yet, not specifically targeted foreign personnel or interests, its attacks pose significant indirect risks to travellers. In addition, the fact that the perpetrators managed to breach high security facilities in Kano highlights the authority's inability to prevent targeted attacks.
Background
The police on 14 January arrested 14 members of Boko Haram during raids on three residences in Kano. The raids involved shoot-outs between members of the group and the security forces; weapons, explosives and several vehicles were seized during the operation. Prior to this, suspected members of Boko Haram late on 15 December 2011 attacked a military-run school in the village of Kwa, located around nine miles (15km) north-west of Kano, killing four air force personnel and injuring two others.
Boko Haram has launched a sophisticated guerrilla war against the authorities since 2010. It mainly focuses its attacks on Borno, Bauchi (both north-east), Plateau (central) and Yobe (north) states, which all have a HIGH travel risk rating, as compared with the MEDIUM rating for Kano. The group's attacks typically focus on government and Christian religious interests, as well as personnel and buildings associated with the security forces. At least 76 killings have been attributed to Boko Haram since the beginning of 2012.
Travel Advice
- Minimise movement in and around Kano until the situation becomes clearer.
- Personnel should keep abreast of, and observe, curfew hours.
- Anticipate increased stop-checks as the security forces conduct investigations in the coming days; allow additional travel time and carry personal identification to ease movement through checkpoints.
- Monitor the local media and our website for updates.
9 January 2011
Special Advisory - Guinea-Bissau: Minimise movement as ailing president dies abroad; security likely to be heightened
President Malam Bacai Sanha on 9 January died in Paris (France) where he had been hospitalised for an unspecified ailment.
Travel Advice
- Defer travel to Guinea-Bissau until further notice
- Personnel in the country should minimise movement until the situation clarifies.
- In-country personnel should anticipate heightened security and carry ID for use during spot-checks.
- Monitor our website for further updates.
6 January 2011
Special Advisory - Syria: Fatal explosion targeting security forces in central Damascus underlines deteriorating security environment; identity of perpetrators unclear (Revised 12.40 GMT)
State television on 6 January claimed that at least 25 people, including police officers and civilians, had been killed and more than 40 people injured in an explosion earlier the same day in the capital Damascus' south-central al-Maidan district. Official media attributed the explosion to a suicide bomber, while the target was said to be a bus carrying police officers; this information could not be independently confirmed. The security forces reportedly cordoned off roads in the vicinity of the incident, while angry local residents gathered at the attack site and denounced terrorists'.
Comment and Analysis
While information on the incident is difficult to obtain outside state media outlets, the apparent attack underlines our earlier assessment of a deteriorating security environment in the country. Such incidents appear to be directed at the security forces and as such present primarily incidental risks to foreigners. Nevertheless, the security forces in Damascus are likely to respond by increasing their presence in al-Maidan and at key government facilities throughout the city, while restrictions on movement in other parts of the capital may be imposed with little or no notice. The attack could also bring government supporters into the streets in the immediate term; crowds may gather in central areas of Damascus and the country's second-largest city Aleppo (Aleppo governorate) to show solidarity with President Bashar al-Assad's embattled regime. Such gatherings pose significant indirect risks to personnel especially in the event of clashes between participants and the security forces. Although the risk of violent dispersal of pro-government events is lower, they can be unruly. While the risks associated with travel to central areas of Damascus and Aleppo remain rated as HIGH, as compared with the EXTREME travel risk rating for the rest of the country, the developments underscore the serious risks posed by the ongoing conflict to personnel across Syria.
Earlier, car bombs on 23 December 2011 targeted an intelligence agency and a nearby General Security Directorate building in the capital's central Kfar Sousa district, reportedly killing more than 40 people and injuring in excess of 100 others. The authorities attributed the attacks to the Islamist al-Qaida organisation. However, there is little precedent for Islamist militant operations in Syria and the state intelligence services are considered to have been effective in rooting out militants and preventing them from mounting attacks. The Turkey-based opposition Free Syrian Army (FSA) denied involvement, while opposition groups alleged that the government orchestrated the bombings to coincide with the arrival of an Arab League observer team in Damascus and lend credence to the official line that terrorists' are behind the uprising.
The regime's tight grip on reporting from Syria, opposition accusations that the government is attempting to manipulation Arab League and world opinion and the lack of verifiable information on the possible perpetrators complicate attempts to assess the implications of the latest developments. If there is no regime complicity in the attacks, which are reminiscent of insurgent operations in neighbouring Iraq, then they would appear to point to the existence of a sophisticated militant cell, or cells, able to carry out such attacks in central Damascus. The 23 December bombings targeted well-guarded facilities, while the perpetrators of the latest attack appeared to have knowledge of police movements. Regardless of the identity of the assailants, the security environment can be expected to decline further in the coming days and weeks, despite the recent signing of an Arab League-sponsored deal aimed at defusing tensions.
Travel Advice
- Avoid movement in the affected area of al-Maidan until the situation becomes clearer.
- Anticipate increased spot-checks as the security forces conduct investigations; allow additional travel time and carry personal identification to ease movement through checkpoints.
- All travel to Syria should be deferred until the situation stabilises; where possible to do so in a secure and orderly manner, all but key stay-behind staff should withdraw.
- Personnel nonetheless intending to travel to Syria should seek comprehensive security planning and support, including medical, prior to deployment. Be aware that risks are particularly heightened outside of Damascus and Aleppo because of the ongoing anti-government protest movement and nascent insurgency, operations by security forces, and poor infrastructure provision.
- Avoid any protests as a basic security precaution.
- Monitor the local media and our website for further updates.
- This advice is not exhaustive; consult the Standing Travel Advice for Syria.
