Security Overview for Angola

The security situation in Angola has been slowly stabilizing since the country's 27-year civil war ended in late 2002. Severe poverty and endemic corruption contribute to high crime levels, however, and leisure travel to Angola is not recommended; business travelers should maintain a high level of security awareness at all times.

Political conditions in Angola are stable; however, rising discontent with President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos and his government has sparked numerous civil demonstrations, some of which were violently dispersed by security forces. President Dos Santos has declared his candidacy for the Sept. 2012 general elections, where he will attempt to extend his 33 consecutive years in power. There will be a heightened risk of civil unrest throughout the election period. Angola's business sector is controlled by an elite circle closely associated with President Dos Santos and his MPLA; corruption is rampant.

Violent crime, often involving firearms, is common throughout the country. Armed robbery and assault are common, especially in Luanda and other major urban centers. Pick-pocketing and purse-snatching are common. Avoid displays of affluence. The two major hotels most often used by foreign visitors are considered secure in terms of personal security, but theft from hotel rooms has been reported.

Although police presence on the streets of Luanda has increased, the consensus is that the police and other security forces are responsible for a portion of the crime. Checkpoints are commonplace and often used to solicit bribes from drivers. Pervasive corruption is particularly evident at the airport, where customs personnel often extort money from travelers. Foreign nationals, especially independent entrepreneurs, have been subjected to arbitrary detention and deportation by immigration and police in the past.

Travel outside Luanda is not advised. Banditry, uncharted landmines, a lack of infrastructure, and numerous other threats pose significant risks to travelers. If rural travel is unavoidable, travel by air, not by road, if possible. Ensure that the airline is reputable and preferably recommended by a trusted local or the local regional security officer. Also ensure that the destination airport is safe. Carjacking, especially 4WD vehicles, is common; do not resist carjackers, as they usually have firearms. Avoid using all modes of public transportation. A private car with driver is the most secure method of transportation. Always travel with a trusted individual in a vehicle only during daylight. Avoid all travel, including in Luanda, after dark.

Civil unrest poses a moderate threat to stability in Angola; it is usually curbed by heavy-handed police action.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.