Gabon Travel Security

Gabon historically has been one of the most stable nations in West Africa, with high levels of gross domestic product and per capita income. Thus, although travel there isn't without hazards, Gabon is among the safer destinations in Africa, so its risk rating has been set at 5. Note, however, that crime is becoming increasingly violent, and more often than in the past it is being directed at aid workers and other foreign visitors and expatriates.

High-risk Areas

None.

Gabon gained its independence from France in 1960. The country's president, Omar Bongo, has held the office since 1967 and is likely to remain there for the foreseeable future. In July 2003, parliament changed the constitution to allow him to run for president as many times as he wishes. In November 2005, he was re-elected with nearly 80% of the vote.

Although the opposition is well-represented in municipal posts, the legislature is held by a majority of the president's Democratic Party. In December 2006 elections the Democratic Party retained control of parliament but with a reduced majority taking 80 out 120 seats--down from the 91 it held before the poll.

Gabon is in one of the most mineral-rich and fertile areas in Africa, but it has depended heavily upon the oil industry, the main source of the country's considerable wealth. As petroleum reserves have dwindled, unemployment and inflation have been increasing, leading to a gradual increase in civil discontent.

There are also extensive reserves of manganese, uranium and timber, as well as deposits of high-grade iron ore, gold and diamonds. As a result, the government has been trying to reduce Gabon's dependence on oil by means of increased investment in mining and the recent creation of national parks to promote tourism. Efforts are being made to revitalize the cocoa, coffee, rubber, sugar and pineapple industries.

Border and regional issues

Since 2003, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea have been in a maritime dispute over an island in the Gulf of Guinea which has oil resources. Representatives of the two countries met in Accra, Ghana, in July 2008 and afterwards said that they had made substantial progress towards referring their dispute to the International Court of Justice shortly.

France maintains a permanent military base in Gabon.

Civil unrest

Strikes are becoming more common as unemployment rises. Port-Gentil has been the scene of riots and protests in the wake of job reductions for petroleum industry workers. Teachers' strikes, in particular, have become something of an annual event. Most strikes and demonstrations in Gabon are peaceful, but protests following the presidential election in November 2005 erupted into violence and looting.

Even peaceful strikes and demonstrations can cause major disruptions vehicular traffic and public services.

Avoid large public gatherings and plan routes around any rallies or demonstrations. Government buildings, such as police stations, and businesses with foreign affiliations can provide a focus for anger and should be avoided. Remain alert to your surroundings and maintain a low profile--don't do, say or wear anything that would call undue attention to yourself. If violence breaks out, quickly but calmly move away and seek shelter in a hotel or large public building, such as a museum or library. Traffic and public transport may be disrupted; plan alternate routes you can use if roads are closed or blocked, and allow extra time for any travel in the area. If you encounter a roadblock or barricade erected by either demonstrators or security forces, be patient and avoid provoking a confrontation.

Human-rights abuses

Although there are concerns that the independent press comes under government pressure and there have been allegations of opposition politicians being harassed, Gabon's human rights record is better than most other countries in the region.

In January 2008, the government said it had temporarily banned the activities of up to 20 nongovernmental organizations for their alleged interference in politics. The NGOs concerned are organized into four umbrella networks dealing with poverty, the environment, and the fight against corruption and for good governance.

Expressing doubts about the government pledge to battle corruption and introduce reforms, the NGO's said it had abused national resources and poured money into poll campaigns--they also threatened to file international legal proceedings against the government. The Interior Minister said the ban would be lifted as soon as each NGO clearly defined its mission and structure with his ministry.

Additional information

French is the predominant language in Gabon, and those who do not speak the language may encounter difficulties.

Crime is a larger issue in urban areas, including Libreville, Port-Gentil, Oyem and Franceville, but smaller provincial towns occasionally are affected by crime, as well. More weapons are now being used in the commission of crimes. Nigerian and West African crime gangs have begun to appear, despite government efforts to control illegal immigration.

Petty crime

Petty theft is common. In general, walking in downtown Libreville is considered safe, but go in a group and stick to well-lighted areas. Avoid walking alone on the beach or in other isolated areas; take particular care at beaches around Libreville, including La Cocoteraie, La Sabliere, Santa Clara and Le Pont de Gue-Gue. Avoid beaches after dark.

Avoid marginal neighborhoods in Libreville--Petit Louis, Mont Bouet, Plaine de Rio, the Saint Michel de Nkembo church, London, Lalala, Oloumi and Bellevue--especially at night. Carry only minimal amounts of cash, and avoid displays of jewelry when visiting markets and restaurants.

Beware of a scam in which a stranger presents you with a gift. In this con game, a police officer will arrive shortly after the gift is thrust upon an individual and threaten to arrest the recipient for possession of drugs.

Hold bags and purses securely or carry them in an inside pocket, making sure the openings are fastened; keep the openings turned toward you and away from any passers-by. Don't carry a bag with a long strap, as such straps are easier for a thief to grab. Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry, and don't display large amounts of cash; take care with electronic equipment. If you're carrying a cell phone, take care to safeguard it, as mobile phones are highly coveted by thieves in many places. Keep car doors and windows closed and locked.

Violent crime

Violent crime involving weapons has been increasing in urban areas, so exercise caution in Libreville, Port Gentil, Oyem and Franceville. Outdoor activities such as jogging and swimming should be limited to daylight hours. Robberies, sometimes accompanied by rapes and other types of armed attacks, are becoming more commonplace and their perpetrators more brazen.

Although most incidents do not seem to target travelers in particular, they affect neighborhoods and establishments frequented by foreign visitors and residents: One visitor was robbed and raped at gunpoint in a luxury hotel in Libreville. Choose a hotel with good security and restaurants with locked entrances and security guards.

Carjackings are becoming more frequent, and motorists should keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up. If confronted, don't resist.

In cities where armed robbery is a problem, keep valuables in hotel safes when available. Avoid displays of affluence, such as wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing. Keep cell phones and other electronic devices hidden from view. Carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing. Avoid deserted, remote or poorly lit areas. If the worst happens and you are accosted, most authorities advise cooperating with the robbers--resisting can provoke a violent response.

To reduce the risk of carjacking, avoid driving alone, especially at night. Keep an eye on persons and vehicles in the vicinity of your vehicle at all times, particularly when stopped at intersections or crosswalks. When driving, try to stay near the center lanes when possible. Always try to leave sufficient maneuvering room between your car and the cars beside and in front of you, especially when stopping in traffic. Check your rear-view mirror regularly to ensure you are not being followed. If you are, do not return to your hotel/residence. Proceed instead to a public place such as the front of a hotel or a police station; get out of the vehicle and seek assistance. Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked at all times. If you encounter a roadblock that does not appear to be manned by uniformed police or you notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around and use an alternate route. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a car pulling up behind you, do not pull into a driveway. Be prepared to drive away if you notice persons approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a car attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

Police effectiveness

The law-enforcement infrastructure has not proved adequate to keep up with rising crime rates, and police assistance for visitors is minimal. Military and police checkpoints may spring up without warning anywhere in the country. Officers manning them frequently demand bribes, especially in cases where motorists don't have all their personal identification and vehicle papers in order.

Bribes
Be patient and civil and avoid provoking a confrontation with any official you encounter. Try to deal only with the person who seems to be in charge. If you're accused of some misdeed, ask if you can pay the "fine" on the spot. Overtly offering a bribe could make your situation worse. Instead, offer to make a "donation" to the official's organization for fuel, expenses or other needs.

Gabon is not prone to any severe natural hazards, but many roads may be impassable during the rainy seasons of October-December and February-May.

Animals

Gabon is home to elephants and hippos, both of which can be dangerous.

Health-care services are very limited in urban areas and generally unavailable in rural areas.

Rapid growth in the population of Gabon has led to intermittent, occasionally severe water shortages.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are generally adequate for routine or basic needs, but serious illnesses or accidents are likely to require medical evacuation. Some medicines are difficult or impossible to obtain, so take along sufficient quantities of any needed prescription medications.

Diseases

In recent years, outbreaks of the deadly ebola virus in neighboring Congo raised fears of a resurgence of the disease; the outbreaks were contained and didn't spread across the border to Gabon. As a precaution, avoid handling or eating infected primates and avoid attending funeral rites that involve close proximity to the deceased or funeral attendees. The virus can spread rapidly in hospital and health-care facilities, so limit the amount of time spent in such settings.

Malaria is prevalent. Take precautions against mosquito bites, including using insect repellent.

In January 2008, an outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus was confirmed in Libreville and in the southern suburb of Owendo on the Gabon Estuary. Health officials said that 5,000 suspected cases have been reported.

HIV/AIDS is a concern. Safe-sex precautions are essential.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Travel by road in Gabon can be hazardous, especially after dark.

Road conditions

Two-lane roads are the norm throughout Gabon. Roads to outlying cities have many visible and hidden dangers, including large potholes, an absence of road signs, poor or nonexistent streetlights, and the presence of pedestrians and animals. Construction work often is poorly indicated.

Roadside assistance and emergency medical services are available in Libreville but may not be dependable. Such services are nonexistent outside the city. Service stations are available along main roads, but vehicle-repair facilities may not easy to find.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for travel beyond the paved road to Lambarene, especially during the rainy season.

Travelers routinely are stopped at police checkpoints within cities and on highways. Police sometimes demand bribes from those they've stopped at checkpoints.

Public transportation

Most major hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport, and using them is recommended. Airport taxis are available but expose passengers to the risk of robbery. Taking a taxi alone or during the late evening hours poses a risk of becoming a crime victim, as does sharing a taxi with someone unknown to you.

Rail services are available, but they don't always run on a reliable schedule.

Air travel

Because of maintenance and reliability concerns, some Western governments discourage employees from using domestic flights run by local airline companies. In recent years, there have been several accidents.

Air traffic controllers at Libreville Airport have taken strike action for better salaries on several occasions in 2008 stranding travelers and delaying flights.

Additional information

Day trips or fishing expeditions should be arranged through your hotel or a local travel agent who can steer you to reliable operators. Don't venture away from the tour group.

Most facilities for travelers are concentrated in Libreville. Elsewhere, they're limited.

Telephone networks suffer outages at times and are especially unreliable outside Libreville. Carrying a cell phone is recommended, as cell signals can be received in all the major towns. Credit cards are not widely accepted and, because of the prevalence of credit-card fraud, it's a risk to use them outside major chain hotels.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.