Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Sudan. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Sudan country 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 Sudan at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. Overall Crime and Safety Situation A national state of emergency, which gives security forces greater powers of arrest, is in effect across the country. Detentions, including of foreigners, have occurred in different parts of the country, including in Khartoum. Demonstrations occur frequently and police response can be sudden and violent. Authorities may impose curfews with little or no warning. Penalties for violating curfews can include imprisonment. Crime Threats The U.S. Department of State has assessed Khartoum as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Crime rates increased over 2019, most likely connected to the deteriorating economic situation. Criminal activity is generally non-violent and non- confrontational. The Embassy received reports in 2019 of criminal targeting of UN personnel and other Westerners for car break-ins and other crimes of opportunity. Most crimes impact the local population, as opposed to the international community. Most local crimes are property crimes (e.g. motor vehicle theft, burglary, larceny-theft, arson). Pickpocketing, bag snatches, smash-and-grabs, and car break-ins have also been reported. In the rare instances of armed assaults in cities, knives or handguns seem to be the weapons of choice. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind. Throughout the Darfur region, criminals victimize local communities with assault and theft, generally related to inter-communal clashes. Tribal groups affiliated with the Bashir regime and Darfuri armed groups have carried out criminal attacks against internally displaced persons, vulnerable migrants, and other foreigners. Carjacking by gangs and armed groups continue throughout Darfur. The threat of other violent crimes (e.g. home invasions, armed robberies, kidnappings) is particularly high in Darfur, as the government has limited capacity and resources to combat crime there. As the African Union-UN peacekeeping mission for Darfur (UNAMID) continues to decrease its size and scope, it is likely that such crime will increase. In the eastern region, individuals and organized crime networks are engaged in smuggling and trafficking activities through the country’s porous borders with Eritrea and Ethiopia. The government is attempting to address these problems through anti-trafficking efforts, declarations of states of emergency, and occasional border closures; however, authorities do not have the resources to stop these activities. Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, Taking Credit, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security. Cybersecurity Issues Poor information infrastructure leads to a wide range of risks in cyberspace. Cyber actors, with varying levels of sophistication, are developing capabilities to commit crime and to support terrorism activities. Terrorist groups are known to use platforms in cyberspace, mainly through social networks, to promote their agendas in Sudan and to support their recruitment efforts. The government censors internet activity through the National Telecommunications Corporation (NTC) and the General Intelligence Service (GIS) Cyber-Crimes Unit. These agencies block proxy servers. In 2019, in response to ongoing anti-government protests, the previous Bashir regime blocked WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, and other sites. 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 Over the past year, Sudan has experienced periods of extreme shortages of fuel -- mostly of commercial diesel, but at times also gasoline. The availability of fuel can change with no notice; shortages can last for weeks or longer. Driving conditions are hazardous throughout most of Sudan. Drivers should always be aware of unsafe, poorly maintained road surfaces, unskilled drivers, and the presence of non-roadworthy vehicles. In general, the main roads in Khartoum and north/central Sudan are paved but haphazardly maintained. A turn off a main road could lead to blocks of unpaved dirt and potholes. At night, most streets lack proper (or any) lighting, and many drivers do not use headlights. Drivers frequently do not comply with traffic regulations. Driving excessively fast or very slowly is common on the main roads. Drivers commonly ignore traffic signals, stop in traffic lanes without warning, turn from the opposite lane with complete disregard for oncoming traffic, and drive against traffic in lanes meant for one direction. In addition, poorly- maintained vehicles, three-wheeled motorized taxi vehicles, donkey carts, unrestrained livestock, overloaded tandem-axle cargo trucks, and pedestrians all share the roadways. Those involved in traffic accidents should summon police assistance. Do not make restitution at the scene, especially if livestock or pedestrians are involved. Remain aware of potential crowds gathering at the scene of an accident and depart the scene if you perceive an imminent threat to your safety. Arrange with your in-country POC or your hotel to secure trusted transportation. Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report Travel outside of metropolitan Khartoum can be challenging, and enforcement of regulations can be uneven. Before traveling anywhere outside of Khartoum, check news reports and local conditions. Use four-wheel-drive vehicles due to a variety of road conditions on major inter-city highways. South of Khartoum, road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season from October to May and dust storms (“haboobs”) greatly reduce visibility. Travel outside of Khartoum with a minimum of two vehicles to protect against the threat of criminal attacks. Use reliable GPS and carry additional fuel, spare tires, and provisions. Professional roadside assistance service is not available Exercise caution in remote areas or off main roads outside of Khartoum due to landmines. Landmines are most common in the Eastern states and Southern Kordofan. Stay on main roads marked as cleared by a competent de-mining authority. Human traffickers operate in the Kassala area near the Eritrean border; stay on major roads if you are traveling by road. You must have a permit, which you can obtain from the Tourism Ministry through your hotel or travel agent, for travel outside of greater Khartoum. A copy of the permit goes to the Aliens Department at the Interior Ministry. Authorities require a separate travel permit for travel to Darfur. The Embassy’s ability to provide consular services outside of Khartoum, including emergency assistance, is severely limited. Carry multiple copies of permits, as travelers without permits may face detention or arrest. You must register with the Aliens Department at the Interior Ministry within 72 hours of arriving in Sudan. You must also register with local police within 24 hours of arrival anywhere outside Khartoum. 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 Public transport options include three-wheeled motorized vehicles, taxis, and mini-buses. Bus travel is available within and between major towns; schedules are often unpublished and subject to change without notice. Fatal accidents are routine. Many drivers have little training and are reckless, and the vehicles lack proper maintenance. Most buses and bus stops are privately operated and unmarked. Passenger facilities are basic and crowded. Taxis are available throughout Khartoum, but most do not meet U.S. safety standards. Taxi services provided by hotels and the ride-sharing services Tirhal and Meshwar are generally safe. Drivers rarely speak English. Write your destination in Arabic. There is weekly passenger train service from Khartoum to Wadi Halfa and to Port Sudan. Trains are in very poor shape. While there is some public transit available in rural communities, most areas lack standardized and well- maintained public transportation. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report Aviation/Airport Conditions As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Sudan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Maintain constant contact