The most dangerous country in the World? Security information you should know before traveling to Somalia

Located in the southeastern part of Africa, Somalia is a country situated at the corner of the African continent. Since the collapse of its government in 1991, Somalia has been without a central government and has become a lawless zone. In addition, piracy is rampant in the Gulf of Aden, which faces Somalia. When ships from around the world pass through the Gulf of Aden, tensions rise, and some ships even choose to detour around to Cape Town. Here’s a selection of security information about Somalia, which could be considered the most dangerous country in the world.

Foreigners are targeted just for being foreigners

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' travel safety information, Somalia is marked entirely in red on the safety map. The entire country is rated "Level 4: Evacuate. Do not travel (Evacuation Advisory)," meaning that under any circumstances, it is a security level that should be avoided.

In Somalia, except for a few areas, simply being a foreigner walking around makes you a target for criminal activities. Due to incidents of violence and kidnapping targeting foreigners, governments of countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have issued advisories urging their citizens to refrain from traveling to Somalia. If you must walk around in Somalia, the security situation is such that you would need four guards and a local guide to safely move to your desired location.

Attention is needed for terrorist acts by Islamic militant groups

In Somalia, there is an Islamic militant group called "Al-Shabaab," which has worsened the security situation in the country. The group announced its integration with the international terrorist organization "Al-Qaeda," leading to ongoing clashes with the government and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Terrorist attacks are also frequent in urban areas. In particular, the capital, Mogadishu, remains in a state of poor security, with attacks and bombings targeting government facilities and United Nations sites. These areas remain unstable, and you should not approach them. When foreign dignitaries visit, suicide bombings are a concern. If you must go to Somalia, it is essential to obtain the latest local information.

Somaliland is relatively safe

While the entire country of Somalia is under a Level 4 evacuation advisory, there is a region that is relatively safer, known as the "Republic of Somaliland." In 1991, when the government collapsed and tribal factions fought for control, Somaliland, which was once a British colony, declared independence.

However, it is not recognized as an independent state internationally and is considered part of Somalia. Compared to the rest of Somalia, Somaliland has better security conditions, and although it is rare, foreign tourists occasionally visit. However, traveling overland is dangerous, so it is recommended to fly there from airports in safer locations like Dubai.

The capital Mogadishu has seen the U.S. military withdraw

As depicted in the movie "Black Hawk Down," the capital Mogadishu witnessed the "Battle of Mogadishu" in 1993. Somalia had been in a prolonged civil war since the 1970s, but the situation worsened in 1990 when rebel forces took control of Mogadishu.

The security situation became so dire that the United Nations intervened, but conflicts broke out between the U.S. military, which had been sent in, and the local population, resulting in numerous casualties. Eventually, the U.S. forces withdrew from Somalia. Despite being the capital, the lack of a government means that the security situation in Mogadishu remains unstable to this day. It has become an area plagued by frequent bombings and other crimes. While the economy is gradually recovering, with banks and telecommunications companies appearing, it is still advisable to avoid entering the area.

Pirates are rampant in the Gulf of Aden

The news of piracy in Somalia is one of the key incidents that brought global attention to the country’s security issues. The Gulf of Aden is a very convenient sea route for ships traveling from the Arabian Sea to the Mediterranean, but vessels passing through this route are often attacked by well-organized Somali pirates. The situation became so severe that a movie, "Captain Phillips," was made about it. Pirates approach in small boats, robbing ships or kidnapping crew members to demand ransom.

The piracy is highly organized, with businesses and specialized services providing food and support for hostages along Somalia's coastline. Pirates, who have used ransom money to build lavish homes and drive luxury cars, have even become role models for some Somalis. It is strongly advised to avoid the lawless and chaotic coastal areas.

◎ Summary

Somalia, often referred to as the most dangerous country in the world, has become a lawless zone without a functioning government. Combined with terrorism, tribal conflicts, and frequent incidents of foreigner kidnappings, the situation remains perilous and complex. While the country has some tourist attractions, it seems wise to wait until the security situation stabilizes further before attempting to visit.

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The most dangerous country in the World? Security information you should know before traveling to Somalia