https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=118266
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Warden Message: Bangui (Central African Republic) Caution Urged During World Cup
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Sub-Saharan Africa - Central African Republic
10 Jun 2010
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https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=118263
YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Cameroon, FIFA World Cup Security Reminder
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Sub-Saharan Africa - Cameroon
10 Jun 2010
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SNIPPET - quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3250.html
Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Print
South Africa
May 25, 2010
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in South Africa to safety and security issues related to the FIFA World Cup taking place in nine cities across the country from June 11 to July 11, 2010. This travel alert expires July 31, 2010. Full information about the World Cup for American visitors is available on the U.S. Mission to South Africa’s dedicated World Cup website.
TERRORISM: Large-scale public events like the World Cup may present a wide range of attractive targets for terrorists. There is a heightened risk that extremist groups will conduct terrorist acts within South Africa in the near future. While a number of terrorist threats against the World Cup in South Africa have appeared in the media in recent weeks and months, the U.S. Government has no information on any specific, credible threat of attack that any individual or group is planning to coincide with the tournament. In the event the U.S. Government receives information of any specific and credible threat, the Department of State will provide information on that threat to the public immediately through an updated Travel Alert or Travel Warning. All USC citizens in or traveling to South Africa are urged to register with the U.S. Mission to South Africa in order to receive these alerts as quickly as possible.
CRIME: The vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without problems; however, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, including violent crime, is prevalent throughout the country. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, looking out for your own personal security. While driving, keep doors locked and windows closed, avoid having purses, phones, bags and luggage in plain view, and when stopping at intersections at night or in isolated locations, leave enough space in front of your vehicle for a quick exit. Be wary of street vendors at traffic lights, planted obstacles and staged “accidents” that may be traps for unsuspecting motorists. Do not stop for cars with flashing lights unless they are clearly marked as police or emergency service vehicles. Park your car in secure, gated parking lots or garages wherever possible, and do not leave bags or valuables in plain view. Travellers to South Africa should avoid carrying or displaying expensive items or wearing eye-catching jewelry, stay in a group, and avoid walking at night. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you, leaving the original in a hotel safe or other secure location. Lost or stolen passports should be reported to the local police and nearest U.S. Consulate.
PUBLIC DISTURBANCES: Organized or wildcat labor actions and protests in poorer communities against shortfalls in public services may occur during the World Cup. While localized and normally well away from typical tourist destinations, these disturbances can develop quickly and unpredictably, sometimes turning violent. Use caution and avoid any areas where protests, demonstrations or other public disturbances are taking place.
Quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2531545/posts
Somali Soccer Fans Go Underground (Islam again.)
http://online.wsj.com ^
Posted on June 10, 2010 1:38:05 AM PDT by marthemaria
Somalia—World Cup madness has come to this troubled nation, creating a dangerous cat-and-mouse game between fans eager to watch televised soccer matches and Islamic militants determined to stop them.
The militia group al Shabaab, which controls most of south and central Somalia, has declared the World Cup un-Islamic and banned watching the games on television. By al Shabaab’s logic, the World Cup interferes with the militant group’s “jihad,” to overthrow the government, because young Somalis are too busy watching the games to fight on their behalf. While the group hasn’t yet laid out specific consequences for those defying the ban, the militants have been known to behead or amputate limbs of people who oppose them.
Undeterred Somali soccer fans, whose national team failed to qualify for the tournament, are going underground in search of ways to watch the world’s largest televised sporting event, which opens Friday in South Africa.
In recent days, wealthier Somalis in both government-controlled and and al Shabaab run areas have been lining up at electronics shops to buy satellite dishes to watch at home. Local technicians will—for a fee—patch together dishes and wires to rig televisions to show the games.
“I don’t like my children watching TV—but I don’t want to miss watching the World Cup,” said Abdullahi Sheikh, a 49-year-old Mogadishu resident who was in line to buy a television and a dish at a shop in town. “It’s an amazing event to watch!”
Al Shabaab controls much of Somalia by force. But the militant group’s ad-hoc prohibitions have alienated most Somalis. At various times, and in various places around the country, the militants have banned mustaches, dancing and celebrating religious holidays.
For followers of the World Cup, the most dangerous ban is the one on soccer.. .
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...