Nigeria Risky

Yet with all the recent unrest Nigeria is probably also the place of greatest concern to many members. Stories abound of attacks on foreigners in the Niger Delta region, including in Port Harcourt. The FCO now advises against all travel there because of the risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other attacks. ‘In 15 separate incidents since January 2006,’ they say, ‘31 British and over 180 other foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the area and one Briton has been killed. If you stay, you do so at your own risk and should take professional security advice.’

The risk also extends to ships and offshore oil rigs, from where several Brits have been abducted in the past few months. The problem has grown to such a level that Shell has evacuated all dependants from the residential compound in Port Harcourt, and other companies have followed suit and imposed strict travel restrictions. Attacks on foreigners have led to a 25% cut in Nigeria’s oil production, and some reports suggest Shell and other companies have considered moving their headquarters to Lagos.

However, on the very day I write this there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, the best known militant leader in the Niger Delta region, has just been released on bail on health grounds, after being held on treason charges for two years. His release was a key demand of the militant groups, and the move could be a major development in the new government’s plans to return peace to the region.

Elsewhere in Africa, insurgents may not be your greatest concern. Violent street crime including muggings and car-jackings happen in many countries. Street demonstrations can become violent without warning. And while foreigners may not be specifically targeted in the latter cases, it is always a good idea to keep your wits about you and to avoid large crowds.

Kenya also Shaky

Several East African states, and Kenya in particular, seem particularly vulnerable to terrorism. Memories still linger of the attack on the US Embassy in Nairobi in 1998, in which 232 people were killed, and there have been several lesser incidents since that involved foreign nationals. Kenya also experiences high levels of violence. Recent clashes between a notorious criminal gang, the Mungiki - once known for dreadlocks and praying to Mount Kenya, but now involved in extortion and murder - and the police have resulted in multiple deaths. But this is unlikely to impact foreigners who avoid the affected areas.

Just to put things in perspective: of the 150,000 Brits who visited Kenya in 2006, the consulate reported just 8 incidents of muggings and a handful of car accidents. So it isn’t always as scary out there as some would have us believe.

Egypt

In Egypt the main threat to British nationals arises when tourist resorts are targeted by terrorist organisations. But such incidents are rare, and when you consider that a million of us go there on holiday each year, the danger can be over-stated. And Algeria is only slightly riskier. Terrorist incidents here are usually aimed at security forces, although at least three buses carrying foreign workers have been attacked in the last year, and several British expats injured. Yet again, the biggest dangers really stem from mugging, bag snatching and pick-pocketing.

South Africa

At the far end of the continent South Africa is a great place to work, although it also suffers from a very high crime rate, including regular reports of rape and murder. It sounds very intimidating, but what the statistics won’t tell you is that most crimes occur in the townships away from expat locations. The local authorities also give high priority to protecting foreigners, and the actual risk is quite low. On the other hand, passport theft is quite common, so stay alert.