R 121653Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 3339
INFO ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000032 
 
 
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/OSAC 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: AMGT ASEC APER
SUBJECT: ANNUAL CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - CONAKRY 2009 
 
REF: 08 STATE 168473 
     08 STATE 132056 
 
¶1.  Overall Crime and Safety Situation 
 
American citizens are well received in Guinea. Americans and foreign 
visitors are not regular criminal targets, however criminals, 
thieves, prostitutes, beggars, as well as corrupt officials, 
perceive U.S. and foreign visitors as lucrative targets. Criminals 
particularly target foreign visitors at the airport, in the markets, 
and near hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners. 
Residential and street crime is common but usually 
non-confrontational. 
 
Travelers should avoid unsolicited offers of assistance at the 
airport or hotels as these individuals may be seeking opportunities 
to rob visitor of their bags, purses, or wallets. Visitors who 
arrange to be met at the airport by hotel personnel or business 
contacts can reduce vulnerability to these crimes. Commercial scams 
and disputes with local business partners have occasionally created 
legal difficulties for U.S. citizens. The ability of the U.S. 
Embassy to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful business deals is 
extremely limited. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport 
should be reported immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. 
Embassy. 
 
Computer scams are also on the rise usually by email solicitation or 
fax. These scams target private business personnel and 
non-governmental organization employees. In general, if an offer 
sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay away from these 
scams; many business personnel have lost large quantities of money 
and have put themselves in danger by engaging in such deals. 
 
Travelers should read the U.S. Embassy's consular webpage prior to 
departing for a trip to Guinea and should register with the U.S. 
Embassy upon entry to Guinea.  Travelers should also leave an 
itinerary, complete with travel plans, destinations and telephone 
contact numbers with someone of trust before embarking on a trip to 
Guinea. 
 
¶2.  Political Violence 
 
In December 2008, the military seized power in Guinea following the 
death of President Conte.  The potential for civil unrest and 
disorder remains present. Strikes, political rallies, sporting 
events, protest marches, accidents, and general mass gatherings can 
quickly erupt into riots, which may result in arson, looting, or the 
stoning of persons, facilities, or vehicles. In addition, vehicle 
accidents always attract a large audience of young people, and these 
youths have a propensity for acts of civil unrest when gathered in 
large groups.  The borders between Guinea, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire 
and Sierra Leone are strictly controlled. Leaving the country is 
possible, but re-entry across these borders can be challenging. 
 
¶3.  Post Specific Concerns 
 
Guinea's road networks, both paved and unpaved, are underdeveloped 
and unsafe. Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained and there are 
few traffic signs. Livestock and pedestrians create constant road 
hazards. Drivers are poorly trained and road safety rules are 
routinely ignored. Nighttime travel is not advisable because of the 
large number of animals and people on the roads. Further, most 
roadways have no street lights and vehicles frequently operate 
without headlights. Defensive driving is crucial, as drivers 
commonly pull in front of other vehicles or stop abruptly without 
warning. Equipment on many local vehicles and taxis do not function, 
such as turn signals, mirrors, headlights, tail lights. Be alert to 
motorcycles when changing lanes or when you are stopped in traffic. 
Drivers should pay attention to side streets to avoid being hit from 
the side and always wear seatbelts. When making cross-lane turns, 
always check rearview mirrors. It is not uncommon for traffic to 
pass on the side you are turning, even when you are using turn 
signals. 
 
Public transportation vehicles are both unsafe and overcrowded. The 
embassy strongly discourages Americans from using public 
transportation. There are reports of passengers being attacked and 
robbed. Beware of taxis and mini-buses pulled over to the side of a 
road. Drivers often re-enter the roadway without looking. 
 
¶4.  Police Response 
 
Local authorities are poorly equipped and trained. At this time, 
there are no telephones numbers listed for public use in case of an 
emergency. Local authorities have little or no emergency response 
capabilities and usually require the victim to drive them from the 
police station to the accident or crime scene. Many officials in 
Guinea solicit bribes and are often involved as co-conspirators in 
criminal activities. Victims of crime should to immediately notify 
the U.S. Embassy in Conakry. 
 
¶5.  Medical Emergencies 
 
Guinea does not have hospital care comparable to U.S. standards; 
however, there are several private clinics and services available to 
address many types of emergencies. Diseases such as malaria, 
including cerebral malaria, hepatitis, and intestinal disorders, are 
endemic. There are four hospitals and clinics in the Conakry area: 
 
These numbers include the country code. In Guinea use only the last 
eight digits. 
 
Clinique Pasteur, Dr. Ben Baba + 224 64 28 91 21 
Clinique Ambroise Pare, Dr. Saad, Director, + 224 64 25 13 44 
Cabinet Medical, Dr. Maria G. Doumbouya, + 224 64 25 13 44 
International Medical Center, Dr. Rodingher, + 224 60 29 71 17 
 
Serious medical problems may be stabilized in Conakry while awaiting 
medical evacuation. There is no private air ambulance service in 
Guinea. Medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended for 
travelers visiting Guinea. If medical evacuation is necessary, 
arrangements can be made with the following international private 
air ambulance service: 
 
S.O.S. Air Ambulance www.internationalsos.com 
 
London, England 
+ 44 (0)20 8762 8008 
Geneva, Switzerland 
+ 41 22 785 6464 
Pretoria, South Africa 
+ 27 (11) 541 1300 
 
S.O.S. Medicines Dakar 
 
Dakar, Senegal 
+221-33 889-1515 or sosmeddk@sentoo.sn 
 
M.R.I. Air Ambulance 
 
Gaborone, Botswana 
+267 3901601 
 
¶6.  Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim 
 
Hotel Security 
 
Conakry offers several inexpensive hotels to travelers. Basic safety 
guidelines include: 
* Do not discuss your business or travel plans in public areas where 
they can be overheard. 
* Selecting a hotel room on the third to fifth floors generally will 
keep you out of reach of criminal activity from the street but still 
within reach of fire escape ladders in case of an emergency. 
* Pay all bills in cash. 
* Do not entertain strangers in your room. 
* Never leave valuables in your hotel room exposed or unattended, 
even if locked in a suitcase. Place valuables such as money, 
jewelry, airplane tickets, passports, and credit cards in a hotel 
safe deposit box. 
* Familiarize yourself with escape routes in case of fire or other 
catastrophe. 
* Lock your doors and use the bolt lock whenever you are in your 
room. Use the door viewer before opening the door to any visitor. 
* Report any suspicious activity to the hotel manager/security 
officer immediately. 
 
Street Safety and Personal Security 
 
Personal awareness is your best defense. By being aware and taking a 
few basic security measures, travelers can significantly reduce 
their vulnerability. While departing a hotel or residence, driving 
or exiting a vehicle, travelers should pay attention their 
surroundings. Visitors should make eye contact and acknowledge those 
who may be observing their movements. Along walking and driving 
routes, identify safe havens where one could seek refuge or help if 
followed. Criminals, as well as terrorists, will look for 
established patterns. Vary the times and routes for all travel, and 
reduce predictable behaviors. When possible, travel during daylight 
hours and in the company of another person. Share travel plans with 
a friend or business associate. 
 
Do not walk or ride bikes in Conakry after dark. Avoid poorly lit 
streets, alleyways, and side streets. The electricity service in 
Conakry is unreliable and visitors could find themselves on a dark 
street at anytime. Also, travelers should wear little or no jewelry 
when shopping, or in crowded areas. Be alert when carrying handbags 
and never flash money, no matter how little. Money should be divided 
into small amounts and secured in different pockets. Carry only the 
amount of money needed. Cellular telephones should be used 
cautiously in public. They are easily snatched and are a prime 
target for thieves. If confronted, do not resist. The assailant or 
assailants may be armed and have the advantage of surprise. It is 
better to lose money, jewelry or other valuables than to risk 
serious injury. 
 
Driving Safety 
 
Drivers should always lock doors and close windows and should only 
open vehicle windows enough to converse, if necessary. While 
driving, keep valuables out of sight or locked in the trunk. Thieves 
have been known to reach in open windows and open doors of stopped 
vehicles and grab items before passengers have time to respond. 
Always attempt to leave a car length distance between vehicles, 
especially while stopped in traffic. Always be attentive for signs 
of a potentially dangerous situation developing ahead, such as a 
large crowd or a large police presence in order to change routes to 
avoid risk. If the need arises, most vehicles can drive over any 
curb or barrier that is lower than the car bumper, if driven over at 
a slight angle. 
 
Travel Outside of Conakry 
 
For travel outside Conakry, prior planning is essential to ensure 
fuel points, lodging, as well as food and water availability. 
Additionally, U.S citizens can check with American Citizen Services 
at the U.S. Embassy prior to departing for up-to date information. 
 
Additional Safety Information 
 
All visitors to Guinea should have a passport, visa, and inoculation 
card. It is best to have a copy of any original documents such as 
passport, driver's license, and insurance papers, to present to 
officials, who may attempt to keep the document until a bribe is 
paid. Do not transport persons who have no identification on their 
person. Doing so will bring police suspicion upon the driver and 
increase the chance of an incident during a routine roadblock. 
 
While in Guinea, it is advised to restrict photography to private 
gatherings. Explicit permission from the Guinean government should 
be obtained before photographing military and transportation 
facilities, particularly airports, government buildings or public 
works. Visitors who take photographs without permission in any 
public area may agitate security personnel or create offense among 
those being photographed. 
 
¶7.  Further Information 
 
All Americans should register with American Citizen Services when 
they arrive in Guinea. The U.S. Embassy maintains a liaison with 
local law enforcement officials and is available to assist American 
citizens during their stay in Guinea. The following contact 
information is provided: 
 
U.S. Embassy Conakry 
224 65 10 40 00 
 
Regional Security Officer 
224 65 10 42 56 
 
American Citizen Services Officer 
224 65 10 43 34 
 
After Hours American Citizens Services Officer 
224 64 32 43 41 
 
The nearest OSAC Country Council is in Dakar, Senegal. The Regional 
Security Office in Conakry will provide country briefings for 
representatives of American businesses and organization as 
requested. 
 
RASPOLIC