2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in . OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Senegal. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s country-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Senegal at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precaution. Exercise increased caution in the region due to crime and landmines. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Dakar as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Street crime is very common in Senegal, particularly in urban areas. Crimes of opportunity (e.g. pickpocketing, purse snatching, theft of valuables from vehicles, assaults, residential burglaries) are the crimes U.S. official personnel, business travelers, and visitors encounter most frequently. Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and street children often attempt to divert victims’ attention while an accomplice steals valuable. Do not accept items from anyone on the street unless you plan to buy them; this is the most common tactic amongst street criminals.

Criminals continue to use scooters, motorcycles, and mopeds to steal purses/backpacks from pedestrians in all neighborhoods of Dakar. There have been incidents of individuals on mopeds robbing other individuals on mopeds. Minor injuries often occur during moped attacks as drivers may knock down or drag victims.

Street robberies and muggings have involved the use of bladed weapons, though injuries are rare when the victim is compliant.

Most reported residential crime occurred when residences lack sufficient security (e.g. alarms, barred windows, 24/7 guards) or where the security measures exist but are not in use. In 2019, official visitors staying in local hotels reported multiple incidents of theft. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Credit/ATM card fraud remains a concern in Dakar. The U.S. Embassy recommends that its employees take precautions using credit/debit cards. Skimming is the primary means of credit fraud and is undetectable until fraudulent charges appear on statements. If you must use a credit/debit card, monitor accounts closely. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

The Embassy prohibits its staff and family members from walking and running along the Corniche d’Ouest during darkness, particularly in the Ouakam, Fenêtre Mermoz, and Fann neighborhoods, due to reports of assault and robbery. Due to the elevated threat of crime in Dakar, avoid walking outside alone at night. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Cybersecurity Issues

Scams, particulary internet romance scams, are common in Senegal. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Fact Sheet on International Financial Scams. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Vehicle accidents are the main threat to U.S. travelers. Risk of vehicle accidents increases at night. Poor traffic markers; changing traffic patterns; the presence of animals or people in the road; and random, unannounced road construction confuse even the most experienced drivers. Many local drivers are aggressive, unpredictable, and untrained. The Embassy recommends keeping windows rolled up, especially in the Plateau and Medina area of downtown Dakar, due to the possibility of harassment and theft.

Local vehicles may be in poor working condition and often do not meet U.S. safety standards. Availability of spare parts and mechanics capable of repairing vehicles -- U.S. brands in particular – decreases outside of Dakar.

A valid U.S. driver’s license is sufficient for driving in Senegal for up to six months. Drivers must apply for a Senegalese driver’s license or have in their possession an international driving permit after that six- month period. Police may confiscate the license of a driver accused of a minor traffic violation or involved in an accident; authorities typically return the license to the owner at the police station after payment of a fine. The Embassy does not recommend paying fines directly to traffic police, as this could fuel bribery attempts.

Road conditions outside of Dakar vary greatly. Many roads are in poor condition, unpaved, or full of potholes – particularly in rural areas. Poor road conditions may impact drive times and driver safety. Drivers may drive unpredictably, as they jockey for a smooth surface or avoid hazards. Road safety issues compound during the rainy season.

See further road-safety issues in the section below detailing the security environment in the Casamance Region. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Dakar’s distinctive black and yellow taxis are often in poor working condition and do not meet U.S. safety standards. Passengers must negotiate prices before getting in, and should exit the taxi prior to paying. Use taxis with proper safety equipment, never get into an occupied taxi, and insist on being the only passenger for the duration of the trip. There have been reports of taxi drivers working in collusion with thieves to rob passengers who agreed to share a vehicle. When possible, for repeated travel, develop a relationship with a competent taxi driver who has a vehicle in good working condition.

Use caution when using any buses. Most of the colorful Ndiaga Ndiaye (a.k.a. Al Hum, Car Rapide) buses lack safety restraints and sometimes windows and are operated in an unsafe manner by unskilled drivers. Avoid using sept place – old station wagons used as shared taxis often seen chugging between cities throughout the countryside.

Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The Government of Senegal inaugurated Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in 2017. Though modern, expect long lines at immigration and delays in getting luggage, particularly if multiple flights are landing concurrently. There have been incidents of unauthorized individuals approaching travelers to assist them with their luggage; these individuals try to coerce an excessive fee for their help. Decline assistance unless you have pre-arranged it (e.g. through a travel expeditor). Pre-arrange transportation from the airport to your lodging with your hotel or another provider. Taxi drivers try to take advantage of newly arrived passengers and charge excessive fees.

There are safety concerns related to travel along the A1 highway, which connects the international airport to downtown Dakar and the Corniche (Dakar-Plateau), particularly after dark. The A1 has limited lighting and few Gendarme patrols; there are also no nearby trauma centers in the event of a serious accident. Many international flights take off and land after dark, increasing the likelihood of nighttime travel. Exercise extreme caution along the route at night.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Dakar as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Although Senegal has not suffered a terrorist attack, it remains vulnerable due to porous borders, regional instability, and the activities of regional terrorist groups. Mali-based terrorist groups could pose a threat to Senegal, as the Senegalese government contributes troops and police to the UN peacekeeping mission there. Various terrorist groups have threatened the Senegalese government because of its support of peacekeeping operations throughout the continent.

Terrorist groups have made threats specifically against French, and more generally Western, interests throughout the Sahel and parts of West Africa. Terrorists target French interests due to ’s sizeable presence in the region – particularly its military involvement in Mali and the Sahel.

Attacks on soft targets where foreigners may congregate are of concern. In recent years, the Government of Senegal has taken steps to mitigate potential terrorist attacks, primarily by posting national police or Gendarmes at potentially vulnerable or attractive targets.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Dakar as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Senegal is one of the most stable political democracies in West Africa. Senegal is a predominately moderate Muslim country; religious extremism and extremist rhetoric has not gained a foothold, and the populace seems willing to cooperate with authorities in preventing extremist violence.

Civil Unrest

Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes occur regularly and can escalate into violence. Avoid large gatherings, as riot police may resort to using batons and teargas for crowd control. Gendarmes usually respond to and disperse protests quickly without resorting to the excessive use of force.

In 2019, political protests leading up to the presidential election were the primary source of security threats in Senegal. Senegal re-elected President in first-round voting, successfully conducting free and fair elections without conflict.

Recent protests have centered around energy costs, and have generally been non-violent. Protests typically occur on Fridays, and frequently occur in Place de l’Indépendance and Place de l’Obélisque, and at University Cheikh Anta Diop.

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

During the rainy season (July-October), severe flooding may occur, particularly in the Casamance region. Flooding can negatively impact Senegal’s road systems, making driving conditions even more dangerous. Heavy rains and wind have knocked down power lines for extended periods.

Personal Identity Concerns

Senegal is very tolerant society, with excellent relations between the approximately 95% of the population who practice and the remaining 5% that practice and other religions. Senegalese culture is conservative, however, particularly in rural regions. Be mindful of local social and cultural mores.

Rape is a crime in Senegal punishable by up to ten years in prison in Senegal. However, it is rarely prosecuted. Spousal rape is not criminalized. Domestic violence which causes lasting injury is punishable by up to twenty years in prison and, when it causes death, is punishable by life in prison. However, authorities rarely enforce the law against domestic violence. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is not specifically outlawed in Senegal and is common practice in the south and southeast of the country. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Senegal. LGBTI+ individuals routinely face discrimination. Under Senegalese law, “unnatural acts” are punishable by a term imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of fCFA 1,000,000 (USD $2,000). While there have been none recently, several high-profile cases of arrest under these laws have occurred in the past. Arrests often make headlines, and usually come only after a third party files a complaint. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Senegal is extremely difficult to navigate for individuals with physical disabilities. There are very few accommodations for people with disabilities. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Drug-related Crime

Senegal is a pass-through point for West African drug trafficking, primarily from Guinea and Guinea- . Some small marijuana cultivation efforts also exist within Senegal.

Kidnapping Threat

The threat of kidnapping from criminal elements and terrorist groups exists but is rare. Treat the border regions between Senegal, Mauritania, and Mali as danger areas due to the potential for cross-border activity from Mali-based terrorist groups. The Embassy has not received any recent reports of kidnappings. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

Casamance: Exercise caution throughout the Casamance region (comprising the administrative regions of , Sédhiou, and in southern Senegal) because of separatist violence, armed banditry, and the possibility of landmines. Landmines from prior conflicts remain in the region; do not stray from main roads or well-traveled areas in the Casamance. In 2018, one person died and several others were injured when bandits set up a roadblock along R4, the road between Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring.

The Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MDFC) is the longest-running separatist militant group in sub-Saharan Africa and continues to wage a very low-level insurgency against the Senegalese government. While separatist militants primarily target military installations, convoys, and personnel to destabilize the region, civilians in the Casamance have been targets of opportunity for separatist fighters and criminal elements, some of whom may be rebel-supported.

Although the frequency of separatism-related attacks has diminished since a de facto ceasefire in 2012, violent incidents still occur in the Casamance. In January 2018, gunmen killed more than a dozen people in the forest in an incident linked to illegal logging. In March 2018, an explosive device damaged a bridge along the R4. The Embassy restricted travel for government personnel on the R4 between Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring, as well as the RN20 between Ziguinchor and São Domingos, Guinea-Bissau, in the aftermath of those incidents. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Casamance region is limited due to these and other official travel restrictions and security concerns.

U.S. government employees are strongly discouraged from traveling after dark between cities, not just in Casamance but nationwide. Due to security concerns, the Regional Security Office must approve all official travel to the Ziguinchor and Sédhiou administrative areas within the Casamance region. Current Embassy policy requires prior approval for personal travel outside of Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring in the area west of Ziguinchor (or west of RN 4) between the and the Bissau-Guinean border due to and increased risk of armed criminality. Embassy policy restricts personnel from traveling off paved roads in the Ziguinchor and Sédhiou administrative regions without prior approval due to landmines.

Police Response

There are two primary law enforcement entities: The National Police and the National Gendarmerie. Both entities have nationwide law enforcement authority. The National Police fall under the Ministry of Interior and focus on major population centers. The National Gendarmerie falls under the Ministry of Defense and has nationwide jurisdiction. Dakar is split in two regions: the southern part is National Police jurisdiction, and the northern part is National Gendarmerie jurisdiction. Report crimes to the local police at 17 or to the Gendarmerie at 800-00-20-20. Police response to criminal activity is inconsistent and does not meet Western standards.

Senegalese law requires that individuals carry valid identification documents. As a rule, the police do not distinguish between original documents and photocopies. At a minimum, carry copies of the biographic information page of your passport. Do not ignore a police officer’s lawful or reasonable orders. Treat Senegalese officers as you would U.S. law enforcement officials. Belligerence or a lack of respect toward uniformed officers will exacerbate the situation and may result in arrest.

If arrested, ask to contact U.S. Embassy American Citizen Services. Police do not always honor requests expeditiously; you may need to be repeat your request.

Senegal has minimal resources available for victim assistance and support. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

Medical facilities outside Dakar are limited. In-patient psychiatric care is inadequate, but there is office- based psychiatry assistance available.

French medications are more readily available than U.S. pharmaceuticals. U.S. drugs may still be available, but listed under their French trade names. Medications are available at pharmacies throughout Dakar and in other parts of the country frequented by tourists. Carry a personal supply of prescription medicines, along with copies of prescriptions that include the generic name for the drugs, as well as a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications.

There are several hospitals and clinics in Dakar that can treat a variety of injuries and illnesses. Public hospitals do not meet U.S. standards, but several private clinics are better than what is available publicly. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

The following diseases are present in Senegal: Malaria; Typhoid; Tuberculosis; Yellow Fever; Zika; Meningococcal Meningitis; Rabies; and Measles. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Senegal.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

Dakar has an active OSAC Country Council, which meets quarterly. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Route des Almadies, Dakar Monday-Thursday 0800-1730, and Friday 0800-1300 U.S. Embassy Switchboard: +221 33 879 4000 Marine Security Guard Post One: +221 33 879 4000 (24/7) Website: https://sn.usembassy.gov The Embassy is also responsible for Guinea-Bissau.

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

OSAC Risk Matrix OSAC Travelers Toolkit State Department Traveler’s Checklist Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)