6 February 2013
The International News Safety Institute urges journalists and media workers to exercise extreme caution while operating in some areas of Nigeria.
Violence in northern Nigeria has escalated in the past two years. There is a high threat of terrorism and attacks are indiscriminate.
Curfews are being enforced across Nigeria, including Plateau, Kaduna and Yobe States and Kano City, Kogi Central Senatorial District and Mubi town in Adamawa State. Curfews are regularly used following incidents of unrest and can be imposed and lifted at short notice. Journalists and media workers will have to comply with these curfews, which can be monitored via local media outlets, if not risk arrest.
International news events have triggered anti-Western demonstrations, and Western diplomatic missions, interests and citizens could be the focus for protests. INSI encourages journalists to exercise caution while covering protests. News events may also present some opportunities for terrorist groups to exploit.
Demonstrations have occurred in a number of cities across northern Nigeria as well as Abuja.
Be vigilant while operating around government, security and educational institutions and international organisations as well as public venues such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres, places of worship and areas frequented by expatriates, foreign tourists and business travellers.
INSI advises journalists to maintain a low profile, vary routines, and not set regular patterns of movement while travelling. A number of attacks have taken place on public or religious holidays, and there have been regular attacks on churches in northern Nigeria at times of worship.
There is also a threat of kidnapping throughout Nigeria and foreign nationals have been the target of kidnaps. On 20 December 2012 a French national was kidnapped by armed men in Katsina state in northern Nigeria. On 12 May 2011 a British and an Italian national were kidnapped in Kebbi State. Both hostages were killed in Sokoto on 8 March 2012.
The Islamist sect Boko Haram (“Western Education/Values are Forbidden) has admitted to being behind a number of attacks against churches and other establishments since 2009. More than 600 people were killed last year on attacks blamed on it, while human rights groups say that the sect has killed more than 3,000 people since 2010. While Boko Haram has carried out many attacks, it is also clear that some of the attacks have been carried out by bandits with no links to Boko Haram. When no responsibility is taken, the violence is often discovered to be politically motivated rather than religiously driven.
INSI advises against travel for international journalists to the following areas:
Borno State
Yobe State
Riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States
Warri city
Kano city
Should it be vital to go there, a robust security plan must be in place, to prevent problems during the story.
INSI also urges journalists to exercise extreme caution while travelling in:
Bauchi State
Jos city
Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas in Plateau State
Gombe State
Mubi Town in Adamawa State and the area north of Mubi Town that borders Borno State
Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States
Abia State
Kaduna City
Zaria City
If you need any further information on working in Nigeria please contact INSI – Hannah Storm (+44 7766 814274; email: hannah.storm@newssafety.org)
31 January 2013
Numerous threats hang over Kenya as it heads to the polls on March 4. As journalists and news crews prepare to cover the election, they are advised to take note of the security situation there.
More than 1,000 people died and 600,000 were displaced when inter-ethnic fighting broke out around the disputed last election in 2007.
In April this year, four Kenyans – including Uhuru Kenyatta, a frontrunner in the 2013 election – will face trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their alleged role in the 2007-2008 post-election violence.
And with the stakes for political power so high, the risk of local violence during the race to replace president Mwai Kibaki is apparent.
Threats ahead of the upcoming Kenyan elections
The tension surrounding the elections is now fuelled by the political unrest and a degree of anti-western feeling in the northern African countries. Kidnapping in some areas in support of insurgents operating in and around Mali is just one of many acts of violence predicted during the upcoming Kenyan elections.
A number of fatal ambushes were reported last month on the road from Archers Post to Marsabit. The MP for Saku, Hussein Tari Sasura, was fired at by an individual dressed in a police uniform while being driven on the road.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has also reported a spate of grenade, IED and armed attacks in Nairobi, Mombasa and Garissa, and said that further attacks are likely. It says there is a possibility of attacks specifically targeting election-related activity.
An unconfirmed report that an unknown number of hostages have been taken from Mandera in Kenya on the shared Somalia/ Ethiopia border may be seen as just the start. The hostage takers claim that they will execute the hostages if al-Qaeda suspects held in Kenya are not released by 14 Feb, so already the events of the region are starting to affect this election.
General top tips for travel to Kenya
1. Time is GMT +3 hours
2. UK style three pin plugs are used
3. Only plan to use one credit card if you have to, so clear before you take it and use one with a low limit, so you can determine exactly what has been spent, in case of fraud.
4. Don’t use debit cards in Africa if at all possible, you are more protected by credit cards for loss.
5. If you have to use an ATM, use one inside a bank
6. Take cash – Sterling, US Dollars and Euros and make sure you have Kenyan Shilling- small denominations
7. Ensure you have high factor sunscreen if working outside, as the sun is hot, but remember it can also be cold at night, so take appropriate clothing.
8. Expect heavy rain showers during the rainy seasons, so take a strong umbrella or light raincoat. The “long rains” are from March-June so around the time of the elections. Be prepared as they can be torrential.
9. Take mosquito repellent, if going outside Nairobi and assess the areas you are going to for malaria risk; consult your doctor about which vaccinations you require and whether or not you need anti malaria tablets.
10. Ensure you carry photocopies of your travel documents and other vital documents as well as an electronic copy on a flash disk/ on the internet in case your originals get stolen or lost.
Flights to Kenya and getting in/immigration
It is easy to fly to Kenya on one of the many regular airlines operating. The airport can be mayhem at certain times of the day and the usual airport scams may be expected. Have an agreed identification process with your driver (know their name, phone number and the make and model/registration number of their car). It is easy to get picked up by the wrong person.
Kenya is an English speaking country, but bear in mind your accent will be different and allow people to get used to your accent by speaking slightly slower at first and more clearly. Try to avoid slang.
UK citizens need a visa. Depending on how long and what you are doing you may need to get this in advance. You can get visas at the airport on arrival, however you will need to check if this is possible with your citizenship and for what you are doing and length of stay.
It is always useful to have a letter from your company stating that you will return to the UK and what your position is there, as well as to show you have the funds to support yourself whilst there. Or some sort of accreditation to your company and preferably some sort of press card. You will need to be accredited to film in Kenya, after you arrive.
It is worth having a yellow fever certificate in case you go on anywhere else in Africa after this assignment. If you are arriving from somewhere which has yellow fever, you may need to show the certificate.
You will have to fill in a landing card on arrival and another one for exit, prior to going through immigration.
Be careful about using personal addresses; bear in mind your own personal security when travelling. Try to use your work address for the airport as well as the hotel.
Your luggage
Your luggage gets delivered on belts on the other side of passport control, after your passport has been stamped. Trolleys are free, but if you have a lot of kit, you are better to hire a porter who will then push and shove on your behalf if required to get your bags.
The area where the baggage comes out is open and you sometimes need to show your luggage tags as you leave to prove the bags are yours, so don’t throw them away. Keep a close eye on things as it all comes out to ensure that nobody else takes your bags. If your host has a protocol officer you can use them to get you through.
Accommodation
There are a lot of good hotels in Nairobi, however, if you are staying down town, then watch your personal security at night and be aware that it is inadvisable to walk around at night.
Do use the safes in the rooms as long as they are attached to something but don’t leave all your money there (split it up).
Moving around Kenya
If you are going to drive around Nairobi at night, then pay attention. Carjacking and robbery are common at traffic lights and as people arrive home. Around the time of the elections expect to find more security checkpoints and have your documents ready.
Make sure you know if there are curfews, which may be in place if there is violence. Make sure you have a good fixer and driver, know where you are going, be prepared for anything.
Be conscious that outside Nairobi, there are few streetlights and cars can sometimes drive without headlights in the more rural areas.
If you are going up country, then make sure your vehicle is prepared and you have adequate provisions. Punctures do happen so make sure you have a spare tyre and jack to change it.
Information
You need to have good sources of information to make sure you know what is going on, speak to local contacts and ensure your driver/fixer is tapped into the local media and security forces if possible, so you get up to date information.
Health
The water is not always the cleanest to drink, so don’t drink the water at all; use bottled water. If you want to be ultra careful, brush your teeth in it too. Be careful of what you eat outside Nairobi (no salads etc) as hygiene standards are very different. Take water purification tablets, as there is no guarantee of always getting bottled water up country and you may run out.
MAKE SURE ALL YOUR INNOCULATIONS ARE UP TO DATE.
Make sure you have good travel insurance, as Kenya does not have free hospitals for foreigners. Malaria tablets are a must if in the season and going to malaria areas.
Communications
There is talk of the Kenyan Government shutting down the mobile phone networks and the internet in the event of civil uprising. INSI suggests that, to get around this, you buy multiple SIM cards from all the providers in Kenya as they may only shut down the “Big Two” at first (Airtel and Safaricom) so Orange and the YU network may work.
Ensure you have an effective and reliable means to transmit out of the country.
Take an unlocked phone, and use the local simcards. You will have to top up on credit. Make sure you top up to the maximum and top up whenever you can.
If you can get access to a satphone it is recommended to take one to be safe, if you are going up country. Kenya has good mobile coverage, although out of Nairobi it can sometimes be intermittent and see above for shutting it off in times of unrest. The internet can sometimes be unreliable at times in the hotels.
In the event of power and comms going down, having a battery operated radio would be useful as many Embassies will be sending out communiques over the radio and this will allow you to receive those.
Kit to take
Take a good first aid kit with a set of needles and dental emergency kit too as the hospitals can sometimes lack equipment out of Nairobi
Take torches, as electricity often fails
Take all hostile environment emergency equipment – plug for sinks, wet wipes (as water often goes off) etc. 2 pin adaptor with surge protector for electronic kit.
Camera equipment
Equipment clearance on arrival in Kenya – INSI has heard from sources in Nairobi that Filming Licenses/Permits will be required to clear equipment arriving into the country even if it is only for news coverage (currently equipment for news coverage doesn’t need a temporary Customs Bond)
Check nearer the time of the elections as to what the regulations are, so that you avoid any nasty surprises or huge fees on arrival to purchase customs bonds.
Contact INSI if you require an equipment list or further information for working in hostile environments
Hannah Storm (Director of INSI) – hannah.storm@newssafety.org
22 November 2012
INSI, the International News Safety Institute, has issued advice for journalists travelling to Goma. It says EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IF TRAVELLING TO GOMA.
The recent takeover in Goma by March 23 (M23) is the fourth time the country has fallen to rebel hands since its independence from Belgium 52 years ago. On Tuesday 20 November the FARDC (the Congo National Army) was pushed out of Goma and MONUSCO, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC, was unable to stop it. MONUSCO was authorised to use force to protect civilians and support Congolese army operations against rebel groups and militias competing for control of mineral wealth. The UN backed the army with attack helicopters but the soldiers disappeared when M23 approached the city.
The situation is much calmer today (Wednesday 21 November) and M23 are trying to bring a sense of security to the town. Some 2,000 army troops and 700 police turned in their weapons at a large M23 rally at the stadium in Goma this morning.
There are still some UN peacekeepers in Goma but they have no power to do anything.
M23 said today that they would continue their march through the DRC.
GOMA AIRPORT
It is unclear who is in control of the international airport, a strategic location as it is a vital lifeline for business and aid flights.
It has been reported that the M23 controls the civilian areas around the international airport, but that the airport itself is still under UN control. The airport is divided into the military side and the civilian side.
However there is also a view that the airport was seized by M23 yesterday morning, along with the rest of Goma.
GOMA TOWN
The situation was volatile yesterday (Tuesday 20 November) as gun battles in the streets raged on between FARDC and M23.
The situation was much calmer today, as the army had left. There have been unconfirmed reports that the army has fled either to Sake, in the east of North Kivu, or to the south, but there is no concrete evidence of this (n.b.. Reuters reported today that Sake has been taken by the rebels).
Although there is still some UN presence in Goma, they remain “impotent”.
The FARDC declared today that they have withdrawn to regroup and reinforce, however there is skepticism as to whether this will happen. Security forces are poorly paid by the Congolese government and at an M23 rally at the stadium in Goma today (n.b. The impression was that they “surrendered’) the security forces were seen approaching the rebels and asking for a higher pay.
JOURNALISTS
Journalists are advised to stay on the main roads and to avoid going into smaller residential areas. Smaller residential areas are like warrens, and difficult to get out of once you’re in.
Over the past six weeks it has become increasingly difficult to travel at night because motorcycle taxis no longer operate at night, and travelling alone is too dangerous. Some journalists choose not to travel at night for security reasons. INSI cannot recommend that journalists travel at night in this area nor take local motorbike taxis.
Reporting can be difficult because of poor telephone lines and no internet.
The general consensus is that western journalists are able to operate freely.
However the situation is difficult for local journalists who are rejecting the rebellion. The state owned radio in Goma has been taken off air and many government media workers are fleeing the area. Some are agreeing to work with M23. Some local journalists are not being harassed by M23 at all.
WORKING OUTSIDE GOMA
This morning the FARDC were deployed to some parts of Goma and there were some reports of sporadic gunfire. The fighting did not last long. Later, M23 seized Sake. They said today that they plan to capture Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. At the time of writing, the rebels were reportedly heading to Minova, to the south of Sake.
It is believed that M23 may move to Minova, then Bukavu, then has aspirations to take the whole country. It is thought there will be little resistance because of low morale (poor pay, etc.) in the Congolese army. The other option, that M23 retreats, seems less and less likely.
Extreme caution should be exercised if choosing to work outside Goma.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
A meeting is to be held Thursday 22 November at 0700 GMT between M23 and the newly recruited / surrendered security forces to discuss their role. The rebels were initially greeted by the civilian population as they entered Goma yesterday, but there are pockets of anger directed towards the UN, who failed to protect it. This anger was directed towards westerners in general as often the civilian community fails to distinguish between the UN, western media and other NGOs.
It is difficult to gauge the mood of the civilian population and difficult to determine whether the rebels are feared or not. there was a risk of looting, although Col Seraphin Mirindi, of M23, gave these new security forces the order not to loot today.
M23 has been handing out mobile numbers on bits of paper to the civilians, to alert them of any incidents – “an informal 999”. There have been reports of small arms going around, and there was sporadic gunfire yesterday evening and last night but it was short-lived.
Contact INSI if you require an equipment list or further information for working in hostile environments – Hannah Storm, Director hannah.storm@newssafety.org
Note – INSI has collated this information from journalists on the ground. It has checked its authenticity as much as it can, however can not take any responsibility for ensuing problems as a result of this information.
8 October 2012
The International News Safety Institute is to launch INSI Asia Pacific with a regional office based in Singapore to focus on one of the the most dangerous regions in the world for journalists and media workers.
This is an initiative of Australian and New Zealand journalists and media workers through their unions Media Safety and Solidarity Appeal together with the global unions for media workers, UNI Global Union and the International Federation of Journalists Asia Pacific.
Journalists and media personnel working in the Asia-Pacific region confront targeted attacks, threats and intimidation, work-related injury and the dangers of reporting in areas of conflict.
India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Afghanistan are often ranked in the top ten deadliest countries in the world for journalists with Nepal and Sri Lanka ranking amongst the worst countries for impunity. Next month will mark the third anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre in the Philippines, when 32 journalists were among the 58 killed in 2009.
Already, more than 20 journalists have been killed in the Asia-Pacific region since January 2012.
The International News Safety Institute (INSI) was established 10 years ago by the IFJ and the International Press Institute with major news organisations to create a global safety network for journalists and other news gatherers. INSI operates on the premise that creating a culture of safety in journalism enhances the capacity of media to contribute to building prosperous and confident democracies.
To address these challenges in the Asia-Pacific, a regional INSI office will be established in Singapore to boost and coordinate efforts to improve safety and security for journalists and media personnel working throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The office will serve a number of important functions including a single point of contact and rapid response to threats and attacks on journalists, standardised safety-related training materials and trainings and the on-going monitoring and reporting of conditions throughout the region.
“We are delighted to work with IFJ Asia-Pacific and UNI Global Union on this initiative,” said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. “This will enable us to develop safety measures in areas of great danger and provide practical help where it is most needed.”
For further information contact Rodney Pinder +44 7734709267
15 June 2012
Journalists deploying to Poland and Ukraine for the Euro 2012 football competition should be aware of safety and security issues they may encounter there.
Violence flared when Polish and Russian fans clashed before a game earlier this week. According to reports, water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets were used to disperse the mob while fireworks, bottles and other makeshift missiles were thrown by fans from both sides. It was reported that 183 people were arrested and 24 were wounded.
Football crowds are notoriously unpredictable – a crowd can quickly turn aggressive, particularly if fuelled by alcohol. Camera crews could be a target for attack. Equally an overreaction by the police can cause a situation to escalate.
Recent BBC investigations have uncovered evidence of racist violence and anti-Semitism in Polish and Ukrainian football matches, and the British Foreign Office advises that “travellers of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent and individuals belonging to religious minorities should take extra care.”
Journalists travelling by car have also expressed concerns about road safety in Ukraine, with poor road surfaces and the occasional disregard for driving rules.
The International News Safety Institute issues the following safety advice for journalists operating in Poland and Ukraine for the Euro 2012 football competition:
Covering civil unrest
Before you head out
• Make sure your accreditation is in order and easily accessible.
• Alert authorities that your news organization plans to cover the protests, and obtain the cell number of the person in charge.
• Take protective gear. This can include helmets, gas masks, or vests, depending on what the local police force uses for crowd control.
• In case of tear gas, carry a bandana soaked in onion, lemon, or vinegar, which neutralizes irritation.
• Don’t wear contact lenses. Bring eye drops and spare glasses.
• If there’s a chance you might be pepper-sprayed, don’t wear face cream or cosmetics. They burn on contact.
• Wear comfortable boots that you can run in.
• Wear natural fabrics, which are less flammable than synthetic fabrics.
• Prepare a backpack with supplies to last a day: lightweight raingear, energy bars and water, spare batteries for electronic equipment.
• Pack a medical kit and know how to use it.
• Carry a photocopy of your press accreditation and telephone numbers of your editor and lawyer. Make sure your editor knows how to reach your family in case you’re arrested or hurt.
• Set your cell phone to speed dial an emergency number.
• If possible, explore the terrain ahead of time. Are there stores you can dart into? Can you arrange to film from a high vantage point? Negotiate a “safe” place where you can retreat if mayhem erupts.
At the scene
• Don’t go alone. Get someone to watch your back if you’re shooting pictures.
• As soon as you arrive, spot escape routes and look for landmarks like a tall building or lamppost. It’s easy to get disoriented in a crowd.
• Stay on the edge and do not get caught between police and protestors.
• Crowds have a life of their own. Stay aware of the prevailing mood.
• Alert your editors if the scene turns angry.
• Stay away from aggressive people. They may provoke a violent response.
• If planning to move, seek advice from people who have just come from the direction you’re heading.
• Television crews should travel as light as possible. If experiencing aggression, leave the tripod behind so that you can run fast. Consider concealing cameras / recording equipment as best you can when in a crowd.
• Consider your profile and try to portray anonymity in terms of where you are from and what you do e.g. remove logo’s from clothing.
• Consider that alcohol can lead to violence so be aware in and around bars.
Be aware of the signs of a deteriorating situation
• An increase in the noise level
• A change in the tension or mood of the crowd
• Sudden crowd surges
• The occasional missile thrown
• More aggressive behaviour vocally or physically
• The police adopting a more aggressive posture, perhaps with the donning of helmets and shields or restricting the crowd’s freedom of movement
When trouble erupts
• Avoid horses. They bite and kick.
• Stand upwind from tear gas.
• Do not position yourself between the police and the crowd.
• If the police detain you, insist that they call the cell phone of their boss, whose number you just so happen to have.
• Call your lawyer (if they are local and on standby) and editor
• Maintain a safe distance from violence.
INSI is monitoring the safety of journalists covering Euro 2012 and asks anybody with information on any incidents involving journalists to contact Rodney Pinder + 44 7734 70 92 67 rodney.pinder@newssafety.org; or Hannah Storm +44 7766 814274 hannah.storm@newssafety.org
