The State Dept. updated its existing travel warning for Liberia advising U.S. citizens there to remain cautious and prepared to change travel plans on short notice due to the country's high crime rate.
According to the warning, the security situation in the country over the past year has generally been "peaceful and stable," largely because of the presence of some 15,000 UN peacekeepers and more than 1,200 police advisors. However, it notes, the crime rate remains high partly due to Liberia's depressed economy.
"Poverty is endemic and the nationwide unemployment rate is very high," the travel advisory noted. "Foreigners, including Americans, are high-profile targets for robbery. Incidents of violent crime, including rape, have also been reported."
Additionally, "Liberia's local and national police forces are in the process of being reconstituted and still lack adequate capacity to prevent or to investigate criminal activity," the advisory continued.
The travel warning advises Americans visiting the country to "Avoid political rallies or street demonstrations, as such gatherings hold the potential for turning violent" and to "use caution while in the country and make an effort to plan in advance all aspects of their stay."
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