Sierra Leone, August 4, 2000 – The U.S. Department of State warns Americans against travel to Sierra Leone. Although the security situation in Freetown, the capital, has improved somewhat, travel outside the capital is still very dangerous due to rebel military groups that have not been disarmed or demobilized. The State Department has terminated the ordered departure status of U.S. Government personnel in non-emergency positions, but family members are prohibited from accompanying them. The U.S. Embassy in Freetown currently operates with a reduced staff. Only emergency consular services to Americans are available, and the Embassy's ability to provide these services is limited. U.S. citizens in Sierra Leone should review their own personal security situations in determining whether to remain in the country. Sierra Leone is a developing country that poses considerable risks for travelers. In January 1999, at least 5,000 persons (including several foreign nationals) were killed when rebel forces attacked Freetown. Despite a July 1999 peace agreement between the government and rebel forces, control of much of the country is still being contested by armed combatants. In May 2000, over 20 protesters and an unknown number of rebel guards were killed in an exchange of gunfire in Freetown near the home of the rebel leader. No American or European air carriers fly to Lungi International Airport. Some regional airlines service the airport.

Zimbabwe, August 18, 2000 – U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Zimbabwe should be aware of continuing conditions that could affect their safety there. These conditions include incidents of political violence in both urban and rural areas, the occupation of commercial farms by war veterans, and fuel shortages. Zimbabwe continues to experience political tension in the wake of the June 24-25 parliamentary elections. In the cities and high-density suburbs, the supporters of the ruling party, ZANU-PF, have engaged in acts of violence against individuals whom they believe to be supporters of the main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Americans should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times, both in rural and urban areas. These demonstrations and rallies, which typically occur in the central business districts of cities and in high-density suburbs, have turned violent on several occasions in recent months. The National War Veterans' Liberation Association and other ruling party supporters also continue to occupy over 1000 commercial farms throughout the country, with several new invasions being reported each week. Police authorities view these occupations as a political issue and have been reluctant to dislodge the trespassers. At least 40 Zimbabweans have been killed in political violence around the country since February; this figure includes urban residents, farmers, and farm workers suspected of supporting the MDC. The war veterans have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens for violence; however, American visitors and residents should stay away from any occupied commercial farm. In addition, travelers are advised to re-confirm their lodging immediately prior to departure for Zimbabwe, because numerous game reserves and lodges around the country have closed due to the presence of war veterans on or near their properties. Zimbabwe is a developing landlocked country in southern Africa that has been experiencing serious nationwide fuel shortages since the beginning of the year. Travelers should carefully assess the fuel situation before setting out on long-distance journeys. Land mines along the Mozambique border, which is outside the main tourist areas, make travel to that border area potentially hazardous.

For questions and comments about Worldtravelcenter.com, its World Travel Health newsletter, or its travel companion jetStream, contact:
newsletter@worldtravelcenter.com

Feature Articles
Where's the Bathroom
Please?
World Attitudes Toward
Organ Donations
Forget Me Not Tetanus
jetStream Travel Stories
Travel Insurance Primer

GlobalNotes
Asia
Africa
Europe
Oceania
Middle East
Central Asia

Fun and Games
Travel Health & Safety Quiz