The US Government has issued a worldwide caution to its citizens over the possibility of terrorist attacks. The caution is part of a strategy by the government to protect the lives and well-being of its citizens. This means that if you are in any country across the globe including Africa, then you will have to take steps to ensure that you are safe. There are fears there is a likelihood of increased attacks in some parts of the world.
According to the Department of State, the alert issued on October 19, 2023, aims to protect citizens. It is informed by the increased tensions in various locations around the world. The developments have not left Africa behind. Africa is among the regions that are feeling the impact of the increased tensions. The worldwide caution was posted on all the official websites of all the American Embassies across the globe. In Africa, the latest caution comes barely a few days after a similar caution was issued in Kenya.
Some of the incidences of insecurity reported so far in Africa
The tensions across some parts of the world, especially in the Middle East have cascaded in some locations in Africa and jeopardized security. Most of the countries are safe, but some of them have reported insecurity incidences. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war this month, protests have erupted in some countries. Here are some of the cases that have been reported in the region in recent weeks.
Uganda: Newlywed foreign couple murdered in cold blood
What had started as a trip to mark the climax of their love in the picturesque trails of Queen Elizabeth National Park turned tragic for a couple after armed attackers targeted their vehicle in Uganda. The British man and his South African wife alongside their tour guide were murdered in cold blood by suspected Islamic militias. According to the BBC, a terror group claimed responsibility for the attack. Uganda is now among the countries where the US government has issued a worldwide caution to its citizens.
North Africa: Israel-Hamas war sparks protests in African countries
The war between Israel and Hamas has sparked protests in some countries in Africa. The protests have jeopardized security in some of the capital cities. It is important to avoid places where there are protests and the US government advises its citizens to stay away from areas of protests. According to Al Jazeera, protests have been reported in several countries in Africa including Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Morocco. South Africa has also encountered protestors who are calling for an end to the war. The US government believes the war has hampered security in several countries, prompting a worldwide caution for its citizens.
Civil war in Sudan
Concerns are growing over the security situation in Sudan which continues to deteriorate as two military units clash. If you are thinking of visiting Africa, you should rethink your security plans for visiting Sudan because of the war. On October 18, 2023, the US government raised concerns over an alleged persistent attack on civilian areas by a paramilitary force. A report by Reuters indicates that the US has raised concerns over the shelling in South Darfur and Omdurman areas by the Sudanese Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The US has listed Sudan as one of the countries with a level four security alert which means you should not visit the country.
READ ALSO: African countries the US cautions you against visiting in 2023
What to do when a worldwide caution is in place
The Department of State has advised citizens to take a number of steps to stay safe.
Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists
Areas frequented by terrorists are among the hotspots that terrorists target. This includes malls, parks, and other crowded places.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The program is like your one-stop shop where you will get information and alerts about emergencies overseas. Through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), it is also easier for you to access the staff of the US Embassy of the country you are visiting.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter
The department always shares updates on emergencies and other emerging issues in various countries across the globe. The updates are available on the official Facebook and Twitter pages of the department.