News
7 African countries on the U.S. govt’s ‘Do Not Travel’ List
As of December 2024, the U.S. Department of State has categorised 21 nations under its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, including seven African countries.
This designation shows extreme risks such as armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and civil unrest, making these destinations unsafe for travel.
These advisories are updated regularly to reflect current conditions and are based on factors like crime rates, political instability, natural disasters, and health crises.
The travel advisory system is divided into four levels:
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: The country is generally safe, but standard vigilance is advised.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: Specific safety concerns exist, requiring increased vigilance.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel: Significant risks are present, urging travelers to postpone or reconsider.
Level 4: Do Not Travel: Severe risks necessitate avoiding travel altogether or departing immediately if already present.
For Level 3 and Level 4 advisories, reviews are conducted every six months, while Level 1 and Level 2 countries are reviewed annually.
Here are the seven African countries currently under the U.S Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories.
Libya — Last Updated: August 1, 2024
Reasons: Crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict
Libya faces high levels of crime, including kidnapping for ransom, with foreigners often targeted. Armed groups frequently clash, causing violence that can erupt without warning. Terrorist groups remain active, and unexploded ordnance poses hazards throughout the country. Travellers face risks from arbitrary detentions, restricted movement, and limited access to consular support since the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli suspended operations in 2014. Departing Libya via commercial means is strongly recommended.
Mali – Last Updated: July 31, 2023
Reasons: Crime, terrorism, and kidnapping
Mali experiences frequent attacks by terrorists and armed groups targeting locations frequented by foreigners, including hotels and restaurants. Violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnappings are common, particularly during holidays. Travel outside the capital, Bamako, is heavily restricted for U.S. personnel. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services is severely limited.
Somalia — Last Updated: July 23, 2024
Reasons: Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, and piracy
Somalia faces widespread violent crime, including murder and kidnappings. Terrorist attacks targeting public spaces and government facilities are frequent, while piracy remains a threat in coastal waters. U.S. government assistance is minimal, and medical facilities are scarce. Civil unrest and illegal roadblocks compound the dangers.
South Sudan — Last Updated: July 31, 2023
Reasons: Crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict
South Sudan is plagued by violent crime, including carjackings, robberies, and kidnappings. Armed conflict and intercommunal violence destabilise the country, while weapons are widely available. The U.S. Embassy in Juba operates under strict security protocols, limiting consular services. Journalists face additional risks of harassment and violence.
Sudan — Last Updated: April 22, 2023
Reasons: Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping
Since April 2023, armed conflict has engulfed Sudan, particularly in Khartoum. Communication and transportation systems are often disrupted, with airports and border crossings frequently closed. Violent clashes and intercommunal violence occur throughout the country, making travel extremely hazardous. U.S. Embassy operations in Khartoum are suspended, further limiting assistance to U.S. citizens.
Burkina Faso — Last Updated: June 31, 2023
Reasons: Terrorism, crime, and kidnapping
Burkina Faso faces persistent threats from terrorist groups targeting hotels, schools, and places of worship. States of emergency are in effect in several regions due to ongoing violence. The U.S. government restricts travel for its personnel and cannot provide emergency services in many areas.
Central African Republic (CAR) — Last Updated: December 26, 2024
Reasons: Armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping
Large parts of the Central African Republic are controlled by armed groups engaging in violent crime and kidnappings. Medical services are inadequate, and civil unrest can disrupt travel at any moment. The U.S. government imposes strict travel restrictions on its personnel, limiting their ability to assist U.S. citizens.
In a move to foster skills acquisition and promote economic empowerment, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat through the Department of Mass Education has flagged off a one-week free holiday vocational and entrepreneurship training program.
The program is a collaborative initiative of the FCT Department of Mass Education, The Potter’s Wheel Foundation, and the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo emphasized the Importance of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in today’s world describing it as imperative to be self reliant , empowered and resourceful.
He highlighted the Wike- led FCT Administration’s commitment to championing the Renewed Hope Agenda adding that the initiative is a critical strategy for reducing unemployment and building resilience among Abuja residents through practical skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
He commended the Department on the synergy between the government and non-governmental organizations noting that it will further empower the people of the FCT with skills and knowledge that lead to viable income-generating opportunities.
He urged the participants to fully utilize the opportunity, network actively and apply themselves diligently to the various training sessions.
In her welcome address,Dr. Favour Edem -Nse,the Director, FCT Department of Mass Education said,the training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) and contributes significantly to reducing the number of out- of- school children, unskilled youths and unemployed women in the Federal Capital Territory.
She added that, the Department goal is not just to train but to guide participants towards becoming self – sufficient and successful entrepreneurs .
She noted that the one week free training program is a manifestation of the Department ‘s broader vision of literacy and lifelong learning.
She revealed that the Department in collaboration with The Potter’s Wheel Foundation and the Nigerian Non- Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services( NOGALSS) will train them hands on session in production of laundry soap,bleach , liquid soap, toilet and car wash , disinfectant,air freshener,snack among others as well as key entrepreneurship modules on Bookkeeping and financial management, marketing and branding with social media management.
She expressed her gratitude to the Mandate Secretary for Education and the Management for the massive support of the life changing opportunity program targeted at women,youths, children and other community residents to equip them with tools for economic self reliance .
The well attended program which drew partner organizations, staff of the Department of Mass Education and enthusiastic participants will run throughout the week with facilitators providing continued support beyond the training period.
A 28-year-old electrician, whose name has not been revealed, has been electrocuted in Oyo State at Eruwa in Ibarapa East of Oyo State.
The victim was electrocuted at the Odo Babaode area of the town.
The man was electrocuted on a high-tension cable belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The incident occurred when the victim was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without being shut down from the feeder.
The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Service, Mr Yemi Akinyinka, who confirmed the development, said a distress call was received by the agency Wednesday afternoon.
He said, “The distressed call was reported at 15:29hrs on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025.
“The fire personnel led by PFS1 Peluola Babatunde quickly followed the caller and on arrival at the place, we met the victim already electrocuted, and all necessary precautionary measures were observed so as to safeguard the citizens within the vicinity.
“The man was recovered and handed over to a team of police from Eruwa police Station. The incident occurred when the victim (electrician) was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without shutting down the feeder.”
-
News22 hours agoINSECURITY! Enough is enough, Tinubu tells security chiefs, NSA
-
News22 hours agoJust in: Air Peace suspends all scheduled flights nationwide
-
News21 hours agoINEC moves to legalise voting without PVC
-
News17 hours agoJust in: PDP can never die over gale of defection -Hon Teejay Yusuf insists
-
Economy13 hours agoSEE current exchange rate of the Dollar to Naira
-
News10 hours agoJUST IN: Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas Shun Reps Panel
-
Politics22 hours agoFCT minister, Wike, Uzodinma hail Okowa/Oborevwori defection to APC
-
Opinion19 hours agoCBN under Cardoso and $6.83 Billion balance of payments surplus in 2024 that signals economic resurgence