One of the most prosperous of the West African states due to close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment, Cote d’Ivoire was still not immune to political turmoil. In December 1999, a military coup—the first ever in Cote d’Ivoire’s history—overthrew the government. Junta leader Robert Guéï blatantly rigged elections held in late 2000, and declared himself the winner. Popular protest forced him to step aside, and brought Laurent Gbagbo into power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the country, and in January 2003 were granted ministerial positions in a unity government under the auspices of the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accord. After a three-month stalemate, President Gbagbo and rebel forces resumed implementation of the peace accord in December 2003; however matters that sparked the civil war, such as land reform and grounds for citizenship, remained unresolved. In March 2007, President Gbagbo and former New Force rebel leader Guillaume Soro signed the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. As a result of the agreement, Soro joined Gbagbo’s government as Prime Minister, and the two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the zone of confidence which separated North from South, integrate rebel forces into the national armed forces, and hold elections. Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of rebel forces are problematic as rebels seek to enter the armed forces. Citizen identification and voter registration pose election difficulties, and balloting planned for November 2009 was postponed with no future date set. Several thousand UN troops and several hundred French remain in Cote d’Ivoire to help the parties implement their commitments and to continue to support the peace process.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Medical Facilities

Health facilities and medical supplies in Abidjan are relatively good, but can be expensive. Medical facilities outside of large cities are limited. Air evacuation can be the only option when faced with a medical emergency in remote areas.

Diseases

Water-borne, food-borne, and other infectious diseases (including polio, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis) are prevalent in Côte d’Ivoire, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Travelers are reminded that travel to tropical and sub-tropical climates poses a risk for food-borne and water-borne gastrointestinal disease. Travelers are advised to practice good personal hygiene and take all necessary precautions, such as boiling all drinking water and/or drinking bottled water and avoiding ice cubes and raw or undercooked foods. Visitors should avoid small stalls preparing local foods (maquis) unless they are familiar with the establishments.

Dengue fever is a viral disease which mosquitoes can spread to humans. It can cause flu-like symptoms and in some cases lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. Travelers should protect themselves against mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria.

Yellow fever is a disease spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.

Avoid All Travel

Tensions related to the 2010 presidential election results are high, and violent clashes occur frequently. Demonstrations may occur and can turn violent without warning. Curfews may be imposed at any time. Foreigners who must remain in Côte d’Ivoire should be extremely vigilant, and should monitor the situation closely. It is recommended to refrain from all unnecessary movement, avoid all public gatherings (including crowds and demonstrations), and keep a supply of essential foods on hand.

Access to money can be difficult as several banks have closed down.

North of Bouaké

During the civil war, the country was divided into two politically opposed factions. Ongoing tensions along this line continue to pose a risk. The integration of former rebel soldiers into the national army is a slow and difficult process. Communal and ethnic tensions also persist and have resulted in sporadic episodes of unrest in the northern territories. Permission from authorities is required prior to undertaking travel to some northern areas.

Western Provinces

The areas which border Liberia, along the western provinces of Dix-Huit Montagnes and Moyen-Cavally, are particularly insecure. The region is volatile, and the presence of armed militias as well as the lack of proper security patrols increases the risk to travelers. Highway robberies and carjackings have been reported.

Crime

Criminal activity is the main threat to a traveler’s safety in urban centers and densely populated areas. In Abidjan and other cities in the country, travelers may be the target of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and theft from vehicles. Petty criminals do not hesitate to use force when faced with resistance, and armed robberies and violent assaults have reportedly increased. Motorcyclists have been known to snatch bags and other valuables from pedestrians.

Home invasions and armed carjackings are increasingly common. Luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles are frequently targeted. Travelers should keep vehicle doors locked at all times as thieves will open doors of stopped vehicles and steal valuables.

There is a heightened risk of serious crimes after dark, and it is advised to remain in hotels or residences once night falls.

General Safety Information

Travelers should avoid carrying large sums of money and should refrain from showing signs of affluence. Valuables and bags should be kept out of sight, particularly at night. Schedules and travel patterns should be varied.

It is advisable to avoid the districts of Treichville, Adjame, Abobo, and Yopougon. It is also recommended to refrain from crossing the main bridges (to and from Le Plateau) on foot, as pedestrians have been assaulted even during the day. Travelers should not walk alone after business hours in the Le Plateau business district.

Tourist facilities are limited outside of Abidjan, and may be affected by both heavy rains and periodic power shortages during the rainy season.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country.