By Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The United States Department of State has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for seven African countries, citing extreme risks to traveler safety. The advisory, updated as of December 2024, includes Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic (CAR).
The Level 4 designation highlights severe concerns such as armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and civil unrest, making these nations unsafe for travel. The advisory serves as a crucial tool for educating American citizens about global travel risks and is part of a broader system categorizing countries based on safety levels.
Understanding the Travel Advisory System
The U.S. Department of State classifies travel advisories into four levels:
1. Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: Generally safe with standard vigilance.
2. Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Specific safety concerns requiring heightened awareness.
3. Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Significant risks prompting travelers to postpone or reconsider visits.
4. Level 4 – Do Not Travel: Severe risks warranting total avoidance or immediate departure.
Level 3 and Level 4 countries are reviewed biannually, while Level 1 and Level 2 reviews occur annually.
Highlights of the African Nations Listed
Libya
Updated on August 1, 2024, Libya’s advisory highlights risks such as terrorism, armed conflicts, crime, and unexploded landmines. Terrorist groups continue to operate, targeting public areas and government facilities.
Mali
Updated on July 31, 2023, Mali faces widespread crime, terrorism, and kidnapping, with restrictions placed on U.S. personnel traveling outside the capital, Bamako. The government’s capacity to provide emergency services is severely limited.
Somalia
The advisory for Somalia, updated on July 23, 2024, raises alarms about violent crime, including murder and kidnapping. Terrorist attacks targeting public spaces and piracy in coastal waters exacerbate the nation’s risks.
Sudan and South Sudan
Both countries’ advisories, updated on July 31, 2023, cite dangers such as armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. Sudan has been gripped by violent clashes since April 2023, with frequent disruptions in communication and transport systems. South Sudan’s U.S. Embassy operates under tight security, restricting consular services.
Burkina Faso
The advisory for Burkina Faso, last updated on June 31, 2023, emphasizes risks of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. States of emergency are in effect in several regions due to ongoing violence.
Central African Republic (CAR)
Updated on December 26, 2024, the CAR faces armed conflict, civil unrest, and rampant crime. Large swaths of the country are controlled by armed groups engaging in violent activities, further heightening travel risks.
Implications for Travelers
The advisories underscore the need for American citizens to prioritize their safety by avoiding these destinations or leaving immediately if already present. They also highlight the U.S. government’s limited capacity to provide emergency assistance in these high-risk zones.
Conclusion
The “Do Not Travel” advisory is a sobering reminder of the complex security challenges facing parts of Africa. While the warnings are designed to safeguard travelers, they also underline the urgent need for international cooperation to address the underlying issues of terrorism, armed conflict, and instability in these regions.
