U.S. State Department issues Level 2 travel advisory for Sierra Leone

The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Sierra Leone, urging increased caution due to crime, unrest and inadequate health infrastructure. Violent crimes such as robbery and assault occur frequently, especially in Freetown, and police struggle to respond due to limited resources. The advisory says not to travel outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall; U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel outside the capital after dark, and the U.S. Embassy in Freetown cannot offer emergency services outside Freetown at night. Demonstrations and protests can occur with little warning and occasionally turn violent. Local health facilities, services and pharmacy reg…