Central African Republic 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Bangui. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in the Central African Republic. 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 Central African Republic at Level 4, indicating travelers should not travel to the country due to crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping. 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 Bangui as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Reliable official statistics on crime are not available for the Central African Republic (CAR). The Embassy relies on reporting from the United Nations (UN), other embassies/diplomatic missions, and NGOs to obtain limited statistics and reports of crimes.

Crime is a direct result of continued political instability and extreme poverty. When coupled with poor infrastructure, the relatively poor standard of policing, ethnic/religious conflict, and a weak education system, there are few licit economic opportunities for the country’s citizens. Many individuals turn to criminal gangs and rebel groups to earn a living. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Within Bangui, criminals frequently target foreigners for crimes of opportunity to the perception that they are wealthy. Criminals continue to target neighborhoods where government leaders, business professionals, aid workers, and foreign diplomats live, despite an increased security presence. Home and compound invasions occur most often where security is the weakest, where exterior lighting is poor, and/or where there is insufficient access control. Generally, criminals do not kill their victims, but the threat of force or the use of force is not uncommon. Attempts to resist criminals often end with violence. There were multiple reports of armed carjacking in Bangui in 2019.

Affluent CAR citizens are also often the targets of violent crime (e.g. home invasion, robbery, aggravated battery, homicide). Criminals view them as relatively easy targets due to the general lack of law enforcement capacity in the country. Assailants rarely face consequence and operate with relative impunity, especially in the PK5 district of Bangui. Outside the capital, NGO staff members and other expatriates are regularly the victims of violent crime. Sexual assault and domestic violence are widespread in CAR. Criminal activity targeting road travelers -- especially armed banditry -- is common, particularly along major transit arteries, including the main routes from Cameroon and Chad to Bangui. Much of this crime is opportunistic rather than directly targeted.

Cybersecurity Issues

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

In general, roads are in extremely poor condition throughout CAR. Virtually all roads are unpaved and receive minimal if any maintenance. During the rainy season, many roads outside central Bangui become impassable due to flooding and the lack of drainage. Overland travel times are often much longer than expected due to poor road conditions, frequency of vehicle disablement, unpredictable traffic, and checkpoints. Criminal gangs and armed groups control many roads, often establishing checkpoints and targeting logistical convoys (including UN vehicles) and NGO workers. Because of these conditions, visitors should travel only during daylight hours and should arrange for a UN or other security escort if possible.

At night, it is exceptionally difficult to see pedestrians, road hazards, and/or other vehicles due to the lack of adequate lighting. Many local vehicles lack functional headlights and other safety equipment. U.S. Embassy personnel generally may not travel outside of Bangui at night. Vehicles should carry food, water, a first aid kit, satellite communications, and tools to repair damaged vehicles or to extricate vehicles that become stuck. Within Bangui, it is difficult to find reliable mechanics and spare parts for automobile repairs. Outside of Bangui, it is virtually impossible.

There is little to no official driver training in CAR. Motorcyclists and drivers of minibuses and taxis frequently disregard the rules of the road and place themselves and their passengers in danger. Often, all types of transportation vehicles weave in and out of traffic, make frequent and unannounced stops, are overloaded, and are rarely in good working order. Recently, traffic accidents have prompted large crowds to gather; these often turn violent as they seek to take revenge and/or extort money from the party they perceive to be at fault.

Traffic controls and streetlights are extremely limited in Bangui and non-existent in the rest of CAR. Traffic police patrol busy intersections in Bangui, but are often ineffective. Most drivers ignore traffic laws and any attempt to enforce them. Traffic accidents are common, especially at intersections without traffic controls. Pay extra attention when entering intersections and check all sides of the vehicle when turning, as motorcycles may pass unpredictably on either side.

Police and Gendarmerie presence on roads outside of major towns is almost non-existent. Security checkpoints can occur at any time. Checkpoint authorities may stop and harass diplomatic, UN, and NGO drivers. Security officials at checkpoints have appeared intoxicated and sometimes demand payment (e.g. food, money) to pass.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, wait until the police or Gendarmerie arrive, unless you feel threatened. There are currently no distracted driving laws in effect in CAR, but police may pull over drivers who talk or text while driving or for other minor violations. In 2019, traffic police stopped Embassy personnel for failure to wear seatbelts.

Consider parking your vehicle inside a compound with a visible security presence.

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

Bangui’s public transportation system consists of buses and taxis, though these vehicles are often dangerously overcrowded and very poorly maintained. Avoid public transportation due to the poor mechanical condition of the vehicles, general disregard for traffic laws, and relatively high prevalence of scams and other criminal activity. U.S. Embassy personnel may not use non-U.S. government vehicles in Bangui. U.S. Embassy personnel may not travel on the Oubangui/Ubangi River by boat. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Bangui M’poko International Airport (BGF) does not operate after dark due to insufficient runway illumination. In the dry season, dust and smoke from nearby fires may obscure the runway, causing the cancellation of flights.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bangui as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Nevertheless, ineffective border controls may allow criminal and terrorist groups to seek temporary refuge in CAR, but there is no evidence that terrorists train or regularly operate in CAR at this time.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Harassment of foreign nationals is common. Employees of the UN, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations working in contested areas are often targets of crime and/or suspicion by local residents. On multiple occasions in 2019, violent mobs and protests ensued after the local population (fairly or unfairly) blamed drivers of UN and other vehicles for causing serious accidents in Bangui. Harassment of UN staff is largely in relation to perceived ineffectiveness of operations favoritism of one group over another. Criminals often view non-CAR African nationals and members of NGOs as potential targets for crimes of opportunity due to the perceived affluence of foreigners.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bangui as being a CRITICAL-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The CAR government has the capability neither to project force outside the capital city nor to control certain areas within Bangui adequately. In 2019, there were multiple incidents of political, economic, religious, and ethnic violence throughout the country.

Civil Unrest

Demonstrations and protests occur regularly. Gatherings can escalate to violence quickly; rival factions often become aggressive toward one another and toward police. Police often respond in kind, exacerbating already tense situations. Avoid large crowds, public gatherings, or demonstrations, which have the potential to rapidly spiral out of control and may result in serious injury or death. Protests do not usually occur in front of the U.S. Embassy or other diplomatic facilities, though they sometimes occur at or near UN headquarters and other UN facilities. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

In the event of unrest, airport, land border, and road closures may occur with little or no notice.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Inter- and intra-ethnic violence is common and often driven by resource competition. Groups are often, but not solely, based on ethnic and familial ties. These ties and perceived political and economic inequities are highly correlated with religious affiliation, though this correlation is not the cause of most violence. To combat these perceptions, there is a long tradition of “self-defense” groups created to defend against real and/or perceived threats from those viewed as outsiders. Initial attacks often inspire reprisals, creating a vicious cycle of violence. Although various groups either have been a party to a peace process or have expressed an interest in peace, violence by armed actors continues. The peace agreement signed in February 2019 temporarily reduced violence in several locations. However, the peace agreement is currently strained, and the potential for further conflict remains significant.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

During the rainy season, flooding may close roadways and make areas impassable for lengthy periods. In 2019, flooding caused significant travel disruptions, numerous deaths, and extensive property damage. During the dry season, indiscriminate burning to clear land and to dispose of trash creates smoke to a level that can cause health issues and obscure airport runways around the country. This can severely affect air transportation and may cause respiratory issues.

During the dry season, there is an increase in internal and cross-border population movement. This is due to the movement of livestock, which often increases tensions between farmers and herders. These tensions often result in violence, which can spillover into nearby communities.

Economic Concerns

Banking infrastructure remains limited, and facilities for monetary exchange exist only in the capital. There are few ATMs in the country. Exchange bureaus and banks normally accept dollars and euros, with the exception of West African Francs (CFA). You cannot use credit cards in the CAR; purchases of goods and services, including hotel rooms and airline tickets, are cash transactions.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Infrastructure is underdeveloped. Roads and bridges are in disrepair. Airports lack current technology and sufficient lighting to enable operations during hours of darkness.

Personal Identity Concerns

Cultural/religious practices may encourage discrimination based on sexual orientation. The penalty for "public expression of love" between persons of the same sex is imprisonment for six months to two years, or a fine. When one of the participants is underage, the adult may receive a sentence of two to five years’ imprisonment or a fine. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Sexual assault and domestic violence are widespread in the CAR. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

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

Public infrastructure is generally in poor condition. Sidewalks, buildings, and public transportation do not cater to special accessibility needs. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crime

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the CAR are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Kidnapping Threat

Criminal gangs and armed groups employ kidnapping for ransom on a frequent basis, mainly outside of Bangui. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to counter the threat of kidnapping adequately. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

The U.S. Embassy approves all travel outside of Bangui by Embassy personnel. Generally, such travel proceeds only with an armed close protection team and UN security support.

Taking photographs of police/military installations or activities, airports, or any other government buildings is illegal. In 2019, authorities temporarily detained several Embassy-affiliated personnel for photographing official CAR government motorcades. Unauthorized photography may result in the seizure of photographic equipment by the CAR authorities. Local residents are often very sensitive to all photography; obtain permission first. Should you find yourself arrested because of photography and/or recording, request that local law enforcement personnel notify the U.S. Embassy. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

The CAR National Police and Gendarmerie suffer from limited resources, a lack of training, illiteracy, and weak command/control structures that make basic policing services rudimentary at best. Law enforcement and security services receive pay only irregularly, which encourages corruption and predation on civilians as a source of income. The Embassy has received reports that certain law enforcement officers have been perpetrators of crimes. Officers carrying weapons and wearing official police uniforms during the commission of crimes undermines public confidence in law enforcement.

The further one gets from Bangui, the more loosely authorities enforce laws and the more subjectivity they apply them.

Law enforcement officers may make arbitrary arrests based on suspicion rather than actual evidence. The judicial system suffers from a lack of resources; the public perceives it as ineffective with regard to the provision of due process. There are few practicing attorneys in the country, especially outside Bangui.

There is no central emergency line in Central Africa Republic. Law enforcement response to public requests for assistance is unpredictable. Do not rely upon law enforcement agencies for security or medical emergencies requiring immediate attention. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

Medical care is extremely limited, particularly outside of Bangui. Regional UN hospitals may provide some level of care, but not at the standard one would find in a developed nation. There are few ambulance services; none meets international standards. There are no publicly available Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines in Bangui, and few functioning X-ray machines. Primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack adequate professional training, supplies, and equipment; instances of incorrect and improper treatment occur regularly. Sanitation levels are low. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

If you use prescription medication, ensure you have sufficient supplies to last for the duration of your stay. Most pharmacies have limited stocks of prescription drugs. Drugs in stock at local pharmacies may be counterfeit or of unknown origin.

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

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Central African Republic.

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

The OSAC CAR Country Council is no longer active. The U.S. Embassy may re-constitute a council in the future, but that will depend on support from the extremely limited private-sector presence currently in country. If you are interested in helping restart the program, contact OSAC’s Africa team.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Avenue David Dacko, Bangui Monday-Thursday 0730-1700, Friday 0730-1330. U.S. Marine Corps Post 1: +236-75-11-65-42 (24/7) Regional Security Officer (RSO): +236-75-42-32-29 Assistant Regional Security Officers (ARSOs) +236-75-28-43-91 / +236-75-88-11-33 Website: https://cf.usembassy.gov/

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)