Senegal: Dakar Forum on Peace and Security Nov. 13-14

Event

The International Dakar Forum on Peace and Security in Africa will be held in Diamniadio, located approximately 15 km (18 mi) from the capital Dakar, on Monday and Tuesday, November 13-14. The conference will take place at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center. Several prominent international figures are expected to be in attendance. Increased security measures and transportation disruptions are expected throughout the city. Police may temporarily close roads for diplomatic vehicles, particularly the road leading to Dakar’s Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR). Hotel room availability may also be limited during the conference due to high demand.

Context

The Dakar Forum was initiated in 2014 to deal with security issues on the African continent. This year's schedule includes discussions regarding a comprehensive anti-terrorism strategy as well as matters of security sector reform, cybersecurity, maritime piracy, and the fight against terrorism financing.

On a more general note, Senegal has long feared becoming a target for terrorist groups, particularly Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), following numerous attacks targeting other countries in the region over the past year. Dakar in particular is a potential target as it hosts many Western businesses, UN agencies, and international NGOs. Furthermore, Senegal has longstanding ties to France (whose presence in the region has been targeted by various terrorist groups due in part to its military operations) and currently has security personnel stationed in northern Mali as part of a UN peacekeeping mission. The US Embassy in Senegal issued a travel advisory in mid-October due to the high risk of terrorism in the capital Dakar. The advisory warns individuals traveling to the capital to be particularly vigilant when staying at hotels frequented by Westerners, specifying that embassy personnel are no longer permitted to stay at seaside hotels in Dakar until the first week of December.

Advice

Individuals in the Dakar region are advised to allow for extra time to reach their destinations and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Despite Senegal's status as a relatively safe country, the presence of terrorist groups in the sub-Saharan region and Senegal's participation in military operations against these groups have increased the terrorist risk in the country. All those present in Dakar are advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious objects or behavior. Individuals are advised to follow all instructions issued by the authorities and carry proper visas or other identifying documentation at all times in case of a security check.