Sierra Leone 2018 Crime & Safety Report

According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, Sierra Leone has been assessed as a Level 2 “Exercise increased caution” country due to crime.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

U.S. Embassy Freetown does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Freetown as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Please review OSAC’s Sierra Leone-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular alerts, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Throughout 2017, Sierra Leone continued to recover from the 2014 Ebola Crisis that devastated the country and resulted in thousands of deaths. The business climate remains vibrant, and many U.S. private sector organizations continue to operate in the country. Student enrollment at the American International School of Freetown Sierra Leone (AISFSL) has increased, as families return to Sierra Leone. However, the operational environment in Sierra Leone does present challenges for doing business; endemic corruption, crime, and political instability stemming from power struggles remain ongoing security concerns.

Sierra Leone continues to grapple with poverty, rising inflation, and high unemployment rates – especially among the youth, who possess limited job skills. More than 75% of Sierra Leoneans live below the national poverty line, with most making less than $2 per day. Economic desperation has fueled increases in crime.

Crime Threats

Crimes occur in Freetown daily, but victims rarely report them to the police for fear of reprisal and lack of arrest and prosecution. Robberies, home invasions, assaults, and petty street crimes continue to rise throughout Sierra Leone. However, the overall number of violent crimes in Sierra Leone remains consistent with those reported in other West African countries.

Most crimes against U.S. citizens are opportunistic and non-violent, though there have been incidents in which criminals used local tools of convenience (machetes, bladed weapons). Violent crime remains a concern. In the event that an armed criminal confronts you, immediately hand over the desired property to avoid escalation or injury. In 2017, the U.S. Embassy received no reports of kidnappings or carjacking involving American citizens. As in many countries, expatriates remain the primary targets of crime due to their perceived wealth.

1 Pickpocketing and petty theft are the most common types of non-violent crime affecting Westerners. Petty crime and pickpocketing of wallets, cell phones, and passports are very common, especially on the ferry to/from Lungi International Airport, as well as in the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in the Lumley Beach and Aberdeen areas of Freetown. Thieves often attempt to distract a victim by asking questions, begging for money, bumping or jostling the individual, or offering to sell items.

Due to thefts of personal belongings from hotel rooms, even locked ones, valuables should be stored securely. The RSO has not received any reports since 2016 from internationally branded hotels in which patrons reported thefts of items from within the installed hotel room safe; however, no hotel in Sierra Leone is immune to theft – even upscale establishments. The small safes provided by the hotel are vulnerable and should not be trusted.

Areas frequented by tourists are havens for incidents involving theft, prostitution, drug sales, and disorderly conduct. The Lumley Beach area is one such location in Freetown. Walking in this area at night is strongly discouraged, as it is poorly illuminated and often frequented by intoxicated persons.

Travel to/from Sierra Leone increases during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to visit family and friends. As a result, travelers are advised that hotel rooms and international flights may become scarce from November until February. Freetown experiences seasonal rises in crime (e.g., petty theft, luggage pilferage, pick pocketing, confidence frauds, etc.) with the influx of affluent visitors.

All security plans should include multiple layers of protection to ensure the safety of the individuals and the security of the property. As a deterrent to property crime (robberies, burglaries), diplomatic missions, foreign businesses, expatriates, and wealthy host country nationals have contracted private security services for the protection of facilities and residences. However, crimes can still occur despite the employment of private security personnel. Do not invite strangers into your living quarters. Supervise/escort all workers in your living quarters. Practice good operational security if you are transporting valuable items into and around Sierra Leone. Some reported robberies committed against expatriates appear to have been carried out by persons with inside information regarding the victims.

There has been a steady increase in the number of gangs in Freetown over the past years. They pose a potential threat to public order with increased criminality and anti-social behavior. Most often, these groups are comprised of unemployed youth who align according to geographic or ethnic and tribal affiliation or according to pop music preferences (e.g., rival local hip-hop artists). Most gang activity is centralized to eastern area of Freetown and usually does not affect visitors or foreigners.

In 2017, 37 Sierra Leonean nationals convicted of various types of crimes were deported from the U.S. The U.S. government has imposed visa sanctions against Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials and Department of Immigration officials of the Government of Sierra Leone for failure to issue timely travel documents related to deportations.

Sierra Leone is generally a cash economy. Credit cards are generally not accepted at most stores, restaurants, and hotels, so you must pay in cash. Some businesses are beginning to accept credit cards, but only Visa cards can be used locally. Point of sale credit card terminals exist in some major shops, hotels, and restaurants. Credit card machines operate over the cell phone system, so the machine should be brought to you. Some ATMs accept international Visa cards. There are

2 no functioning MasterCard cash points in Sierra Leone. Travelers are advised to use credit cards cautiously; there is a serious risk that the card numbers may be stolen for use in fraudulent transactions. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.”

Currency exchanges should be handled through a bank or established foreign exchange bureau. Exchanging money with street vendors is ill-advised since criminals may "mark" such individuals for future attack, and there is a risk of receiving counterfeit currency or being short-changed in the transaction. U.S. dollars dated 2006 and earlier are not accepted. An anti-money laundering law passed in 2005 prohibits importing more than $10,000 in cash except through a financial institution. Travelers' checks are not usually accepted as payment.

Cybersecurity Issues

The Embassy receives regular reports from U.S. citizens about financial scams. In 2017, the American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the Consular Office received 600 incidents involving Americans. Scams involving promises of investment or business opportunities are common. Do not respond to any unsolicited opportunities to make money. All investors and buyers should perform due diligence before entering into any financial agreement.

Many Americans and foreigners continue to be victims of schemes involving the purchase of gold dust and diamonds by host country nationals who claim to work for various gold vendors, the Government Gold and Diamond Office (GGDO), government ministries, customs, and the police. The Embassy receives dozens of reports every year from Americans who attempted to invest in extractive industries and were defrauded. Beware of offers to sell you gold, diamonds, etc; these types of activities could result in substantial loss of money or violation of local laws. Regulation of the gold and diamond industry remains under the control of the government. Purchases of gold or diamonds should only be made through licensed brokers. Do not purchase diamonds, gold, or other gems/minerals from an unlicensed source. Many diamond distributors are unlicensed and produce fraudulent gem certificates.

Land-fraud schemes continue to rise throughout Sierra Leone. Many foreign investors fall victim to individuals claiming to be employed by the National Power Authority (NPA) who are providing false documents of land ownership to would-be investors. Any transactions involving investment or land purchases should be conducted directly with the NPA and not with individuals claiming connections within the NPA to facilitate the sale.

U.S. citizens wishing to conduct business in Sierra Leone are advised to consult the U.S. Embassy’s Economic Section website for business advice and words of caution at http://freetown.usembassy.gov/business.html. The U.S. Embassy in Freetown continues to support the establishment of an American Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone. When searching for legal representation in Sierra Leone, clients should utilize extreme diligence as some local attorneys are often at the center of criminal activities.

Areas of Concern

Borders areas with neighboring states are more susceptible to criminality due to the lack of security force presence and/or enforcement of customs/immigration laws at most crossing areas.

3 Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.”

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Driving conditions in Sierra Leone present a serious hazard to travelers. Sierra Leone’s roads are poorly maintained, lack illumination, do not have shoulders for parking or stopping in emergencies, and have minimal/no signage. There are few adequate sidewalks and guardrails. Local motorists rarely adhere to the rules of the road and regularly engage in unsafe driving practices, such as failing to signal while turning or not remaining in correct travel lanes. Motorcycle taxis (okadas) are notorious for passing between vehicles or driving on roadsides, sometimes in the opposite direction of traffic.

The lack of a systematic and rigorously enforced vehicle registration and inspection system contributes to the dangers of driving in Sierra Leone, as many vehicles do not meet Western safety standards. Statistics on proper vehicle registration and inspection are unavailable due to the inability of the Government of Sierra Leone to maintain accurate registration records. Some vehicles lack headlights and/or brake lights.

Outside of Freetown, accidents occur frequently due to poorly maintained and dimly lit roadways, speeding, transiting livestock, and the presence of large vehicles, such as long-haul trucks and buses. If travelers are involved in a vehicular accident, it is important to be aware that a large crowd may gather and could become hostile and aggressive. This may happen even if you are not at fault. If you feel threatened or fear for your safety, leave the scene and go to the nearest police station.

The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages its personnel from driving at night outside of Freetown. During the rainy season (May-November), roadway hazards greatly increase throughout Sierra Leone. Roadway flooding and near zero-visibility present added hazards to motorists; therefore, motorists should plan for delays while traveling.

Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited; this prohibition is not routinely enforced. As a result, local drivers may be under the influence. The U.S. Embassy maintains a zero tolerance policy for mission personnel driving under the influence.

Police and immigration checkpoints can be found throughout Sierra Leone. These checkpoints are official and require all vehicles to stop so that passengers and vehicles can be searched and occupants’ passports and entry visas can be verified. Checkpoints are staffed with police officers in uniform and normally feature a “Police” sign or the logo of the Sierra Leone Police. Children and road repair crews often establish impromptu roadblocks using string, rocks, or branches in order to obtain money from passing motorists. These roadblocks are illegal, and drivers should not feel compelled to pay for passage.

For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report “Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

4 Public Transportation Conditions

Public transportation vehicles are poorly maintained, are frequently overloaded with passengers, and do not meet Western safety standards. Mini-vans used as taxis (poda-poda) routinely carry more passengers than is safe. Motorcycle taxis normally carry one passenger but many carry up to three at once. The usage of helmets by motorcyclists and safety belts by vehicle occupants is rare. American U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from using okadas and poda-podas. The U.S. Embassy mandates the usage of seat belts by all occupants of official vehicles and prohibits the usage of taxicab, motorcycles, and mini-bus taxis by American staff. Use of public transportation, including buses, taxis, and motorcycles, is highly discouraged. Hiring a dedicated car and driver from a trusted and reliable source is recommended.

There is a very limited bus system intra-country.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The Freetown airport is located in Lungi across the Sierra Leone River and is accessible by a water taxi or public ferry. Travel to the airport is also available by roadway, but the road is dangerous in several places. The travel time from Freetown to Lungi can take three or more hours depending on the road conditions. The U.S. Embassy recommends only using licensed taxis and ferries.

Helicopter service from Lungi was discontinued after an accident in which some passengers were seriously injured and killed.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Freetown as being a LOW-threat location for terrorist activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There are no known organizations targeting U.S. citizens or American interests in Sierra Leone. However, there exists a real and growing threat in West Africa due to the operational presence of multiple terrorist groups, including regional affiliates of al-Qa’ida and ISIS. Sierra Leone has been spared terrorist attacks but remains vulnerable to terrorist activities due to its porous borders, regional instability, and increasing terrorist attacks targeting Western interests, foreigners, and African governments. The Government of Sierra Leone remains sensitive to the threat of terrorism and remains engaged with its international partners to detect and combat it.

Al-Qa’ida-affiliated terrorist groups based in Mali have launched multiple attacks on soft and hard targets frequented by foreigners in major cities in West Africa, including locations considered to be outside of the traditional areas of operation for these groups.

Anti-American/Anti-Western Sentiment

Anti-American sentiment is rare; however, visitors and expatriate residents should remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings that could become a target for attack.

5 Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Freetown as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

There have been no acts of political violence directed toward U.S. citizens in recent years. Political violence is sporadic and normally increases during election periods.

Political demonstrations and rallies are generally peaceful, but sporadic clashes do occur -- often instigated by individuals within the crowds. Participants at political rallies are easily incited and may use weapons of opportunity, including sticks and rocks. Strong rivalries exist in Sierra Leone; participants at large demonstrations can become aggressive toward one another and the police. The SLP deploys crowd control techniques including the firing of warning shots and use of tear gas. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends employees to avoid all political rallies and demonstrations; even peaceful gatherings can escalate to violence.

Ethnic/Religious Violence

The rising number of gangs in Freetown remains a concern, given that some have aligned along ethnic lines.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Flooding remains a major concern. Freetown lacks the drainage infrastructure to accommodate storm water runoff, and as a result, low-lying areas of the city and major vehicle thoroughfares flood during the rainy season (April-September). Torrential rains also challenge Freetown’s often poorly constructed hillside structures. On August 14, 2017, a mudslide caused the deaths of thousands of residents and destroyed their homes in Freetown. Visitors should familiarize themselves with flood-prone areas and consider traveling in a high- clearance, 4x4 vehicle.

Critical Infrastructure

Traditional landline telephone service is almost non-existent in Sierra Leone. Communications are handled using cellular phones and/or the internet. Countrywide, internet service cost continues to increase and is expensive and slow.

Sierra Leone does not have major problems with piracy within its territorial waters or banditry along its highways. There are growing disputes over territorial rights between Guinean, Liberian, and international fishermen who are caught in Sierra Leonean waters. Piracy on the high seas is prosecuted as “armed robbery;” lawmakers continue to work on specific laws to recognize this crime as piracy. Sierra Leone has also become a “flag of convenience” country in the international shipping industry. The government has certified a shipping agency headquartered in Singapore to manage Sierra Leone registrations of vessels; however, Sierra Leone’s registry of sea vessels remains poorly managed.

6 Drug-related Concerns

Drug trafficking and cultivation exist in Sierra Leone and continues to threaten the stability and safety of the region. The increase in narcotics trafficking through Sierra Leone, with links to international organized crime syndicates, is a disturbing trend. The considerable wealth associated with the drug trade, channeled with the help of corrupt officials, has had a destabilizing impact on the country. Transiting drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana, are easily found on the local market. The majority of the marijuana is transported over neighboring borders for sale. Poorly maintained border controls contribute to the growth of the illicit drug trade in the region and has provided opportunities for organized crime to expand their activities.

Police Response

Policing in Sierra Leone remains sub-standard by most measures. The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) Force seeks to improve its response to escalating crime, but it remains hindered by the lack of resources. The lack of police vehicles to provide transportation for officers and, at times, no paper on which to prepare reports are some challenges the SLP face in its daily operations. As a result, officers must rely heavily on local transportation to travel to/from assignments. While vehicles may be available, fuel may not be. Police response is often slow and unreliable. It is not an uncommon practice for victims of crime to pay for or provide transportation for police officers to accompany them to the local station in order to file a report. The U.S. government, UN, and UK continue to work with the SLP on police-preparedness and crime prevention strategies.

The SLP has been plagued with reports of excessive use of force and corruption within its ranks, especially those in the armed Operational Support Division (OSD). The Government of Sierra Leone calls upon OSD to quell public protests that arise. Public opinion of and confidence in the SLP remain low.

Many citizens call their local police stations, specifically the Local Unit Commander (LUC), when in need of assistance. It is recommended that upon arrival, visitors obtain the phone numbers of LUC of the areas they will visit. The U.S. Embassy is unable to provide these contact numbers, as the LUCs frequently change assignments and phone numbers. Local police stations, like so many residences and businesses, do not have working landline telephones. Most police officers rely on private cell phones for communication, and these numbers are not publicized. Officers answering the telephone often do not understand English though it is the official language of Sierra Leone. Many nationals speak “Krio”, the lingua franca of the country.

Some American citizens who have traveled to a police station to report a crime or accident have stated that police officers requested money in order to purchase paper and pens before the officer could take a statement or write a report. There is a fee to make a police report; for foreigners the cost is 300,000 Leones, (about $70) and 50,000 Leones for citizens. Payment is made at the bank not at the police station.

Always ask permission before taking a photograph. Local citizens may request a small fee for taking a picture (“snap”) of them or their surroundings. Travelers must obtain official permission to photograph government buildings, airports, bridges, or official facilities including the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the U.S. Embassy. If photography is restricted, include “For more information, please review OSAC’s Report “Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography

7 How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

The payment of bribes, “gifts,” or on-the-spot fines is not recommended; instead, travelers should obtain the officer’s name, badge number, and politely ask to speak with a supervisor and/or request to go to police headquarters for further processing.

By international convention, the Government of Sierra Leone is required to notify the U.S. Embassy when an American citizen has been arrested; however, it consistently fails to do so. If arrested, travelers should assert their right to speak with a representative from the U.S. Embassy; this request may need to be repeated. Detained U.S. citizens can reach that U.S. Embassy by calling (099) 105-000, or if after normal business hours (099) 105-160. The U.S. Embassy does not pay American citizen fines or bail bonds.

Crime Victim Assistance

Travelers requiring police assistance are advised to contact the police through the Control Room +232 76 771 721, which is the best-equipped offices to assist international travelers. If this number cannot be reached, the U.S. Embassy recommends contacting the Local Unit Commander (LUC) within the policy for the area in which the incident occurs.

If you are a victim of a crime and need to contact the U.S. Embassy, you can contact the Consular Section for American Citizen Services at: [email protected] or +232 99-105-500.

Police/Security Agencies

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) Force is a national police force administered from Freetown. Of the approximately 12,000 members, there are about 3,000-armed officers assigned to the Operational Support Division (OSD). OSD officers are armed with shoulder weapons and usually staff roadside checkpoints, serve on emergency response patrol teams, and are assigned to protect foreign missions.

Medical Emergencies

Medical facilities fall critically short of U.S. and European standards. The Ebola outbreak negatively impacted the state of medical services, as even prior to the crisis, medical facilities were poorly equipped, understaffed, and generally incapable of providing even basic services. Since the Ebola outbreak, physician availability has been spotty and inconsistent.

Trauma care is extremely limited, and local hospitals should only be used in the event of an extreme medical emergency. Blood transfusions can be life threatening due to inadequate donor screening. Many primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack adequate professional training. Medicines are in short supply and because of inadequate diagnostic equipment, lack of medical resources, and limited medical specialty personnel, complex diagnosis and treatment is unavailable.

Visitors should bring their own supply of medications, as the availability and quality of medications is inconsistent; counterfeit drugs remain a problem. Travelers should bring sufficient medication supplies with them for the duration of their stay, if possible, including over-the-counter drugs. Do not pack medications in checked luggage. For more information, please refer to OSAC’s Report, “Traveling with Medications.”

8 Contact Information for Available Medical services

For medical assistance, please refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Insurance Guidance

Doctors, clinics, and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services and, in many cases, before rendering service. Visitors are responsible for all payments related to treatment received from all medical facilities.

All travelers to Sierra Leone are advised to purchase insurance to cover medical evacuation in case of a serious accident, injury, or illness. Medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the situation, so all travelers should ensure their policies provide sufficient coverage.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

All visitors traveling to Sierra Leone should have current vaccinations prior to arrival. These include, but are not limited to, tetanus, yellow fever, polio, meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and rabies.

The cholera vaccine is not required but health officials at ports of entry do request proof of yellow fever vaccination. Yearly cholera outbreaks are common.

Malaria is endemic and prophylaxis is a necessity. Expatriates have died from cerebral malaria in 2017. Malaria is endemic, and travelers should consult their physician for anti-malaria medication prior to traveling.

Lassa fever is endemic in the Eastern provinces throughout the country.

Water-borne illnesses and food safety are also a concern. Sanitary conditions are poor, and refrigeration is unreliable. Use caution when eating uncooked vegetables, salads, seafood, or meats at restaurants and hotels. Only bottled water should be consumed. For more information, please refer to OSAC’s Report, “I’m Drinking What in My Water?.”

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Sierra Leone.

OSAC Country Council Information:

As of October 1, 2017, U.S. Embassy Freetown established a formal OSAC Council. Participants meet on a quarterly basis at various locations throughout Freetown. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Africa Team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

The U.S. Embassy in Freetown is located at Leicester Square, off Regent Road, in the hills above the city.

Mission hours: Mon-Thur 0800-1715; Fri 0800-1300

9 Embassy Contact Numbers

All sections can be reached through the Mission switchboard at: +232 99 105-500 from overseas or 099-105-500 if dialing locally. After hours: (099) 105-160 After hours Mission Duty Officer: (099) 905-007

Embassy Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling to Sierra Leone should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Sierra Leone Country Information Sheet

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