COUNTRY BRIEF - EGYPT

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1 SSI RM Security & Risk Management Consultancy 'Safe in our hands' International House, George Curl Way, Southampton, SO18 2RZ w: e: t: +44 (0) COUNTRY BRIEF - EGYPT SSI RM DIRECTOR'S SUMMARY Egypt presents a number of very serious security challenges to foreign companies and their personnel (more than is indicated by the Country Risk Rating). Terrorism is a very serious threat with foreigners a specific target for a number of capable terrorist groups. These threats extend into the littoral off Egypt's Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts. Map Crown Copyright 2017 (FCO363 Edition 4). RISK INDICES Country Risk Rating The Country Risk Rating for Egypt is 'three' Out of the 160 countries analysed by SSI RM's Country Risk Assessment Index Egypt is ranked #37 (the higher the ranking the better). For reference the United States of America is ranked #114. Executive Summary 1 Internal Stability Index Conflict Index Terrorism Index Corruption Index Travel Safety Index Crime Index

2 Internal Stability Index The Internal Stability Index rating for Egypt is 'moderate risk' with a score of For reference other countries with a similar score for internal stability are Rwanda (90.8) and Bangladesh (89.1). A score of 89.9 for internal stability is right at the very top of the range for 'moderate risk'. The political situation in Egypt is unstable and there are frequent demonstrations and counter-demonstrations that frequently turn violent. The police use a number of methods to control demonstrations including water cannon, shotguns and CS gas. Avoid all large gatherings of people. Conflict Index The Conflict Index rating for Egypt is 'moderate risk' with a score of For reference other countries with a similar score for conflict are Chad (2.495) and Mali (2.596). Egypt is part of the Saudi Arabia-led group that has suspended diplomatic relations with Qatar. There are trans-national issues with most of Egypt's neighbours including Israel and Libya. Terrorism Index The Terrorism Index rating for Egypt is 'high risk' with a score of For reference other countries with a similar score for terrorism are Libya (7.256) and Philippines (7.126). A number of terrorist groups are active in Egypt including Islamic State, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and the Muslim Brotherhood (Hasm Movement). Foreigners are a target for these groups, as are Egyptian security forces, Islamic sects and Christians. The potential for terrorist attacks exists across Egypt but is higher in major cities, tourist resorts, North Sinai and the border areas with Libya. 2

3 Corruption Index The Corruption Index rating for Egypt is 'moderate risk' with a score of 34. For reference other countries with a similar score for corruption are Ivory Coast (34) and Sri Lanka (36). Travel Safety Index The Travel Safety Index rating for Egypt is 'moderate risk'. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to North Sinai. The border areas with Israel and Libya should also be avoided. Crime Index The Crime Index rating for Egypt is 'moderate risk'. The threat of crime in Egypt is generally low but the threat to women is higher (sex crimes) and they need to take extra precautions for their safety. There is a threat of kidnap that is particularly high in the remote desert areas of Egypt. RECENT MAJOR INCIDENTS 14 April 2018 Islamic State, Arish, North Sinai Terrorists wearing explosive belts blew themselves up as they tried to infiltrate a military base. 30 soldiers were killed and 40 were injured. 24 November 2018 Islamic State, Bir Al-Abed North Sinai 40 gunmen killed over 311 worshipers and injured 122 more at a Mosque in Bir Al-Abed. The attack by Islamic State targeted the Sufi sect at the Al-Rawda mosque. SUMMARY OF RECENT MINOR INCIDENTS - LAND Date Fatalities Description 24 Mar 18 2 Attack (car bomb) by Hasm Movement in Alexandria - security 3

4 Date Fatalities Description forces were the target. 14 Jan 18 1 Attack (shooting) by Islamic State in North Sinai - Christian man killed. SECURITY POSTURE MODERATE An incident/attack is possible but not likely. Clients can operate safely in Egypt if security measures and risk controls are implemented in accordance with the SSI RM Security and Risk Management Plan for Egypt. HEALTH General Individuals should visit their health professional 4-6 weeks before deployment to discuss their detailed requirements for medical support, vaccinations, etc, based on their specific health circumstances, e.g. medical history. The information in this Country Brief for Egypt is NOT a substitute for this advice. All personnel deploying to Egypt should be covered by adequate health insurance. In a medical emergency dial 123 for an ambulance. Medical Facilities Even in major cities, towns and tourist resorts medical facilities are basic. Outside of these areas medical facilities are non-existent. If commercial operations are planned to take place in rural/remote areas then a dedicated paramedic and a resourced casualty evacuation plan is recommended. Disease Index Yellow Fever Typhoid Hepatitis A Rabies Tetanus Cholera Tuberculosis Encephalitis Meningitis Influenza 4

5 Malaria Dengue HIV/AIDS Zika Vaccination Recommendations The following recommendations are based on the assumption that the individual is up-todate with vaccinations for the following diseases (vaccination baseline): diphtheria, measles, tetanus, whooping cough, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, rotavirus, meningitis B & C, and mumps. Yellow Fever NO Typhoid OPTIONAL Hepatitis A OPTIONAL Rabies OPTIONAL Tetanus (booster) OPTIONAL Cholera NO Tuberculosis NO Encephalitis NO Meningitis (booster) NO Influenza NO There is no requirement to take anti-malaria prophylaxis. There is a requirement for a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Egypt. OTHER INFORMATION Local Laws and Customs Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souks. Women s clothes should cover the legs and upper arms. Men should cover their chests. Publicising strongly negative opinions about Egypt or making political comments, including about the President or security forces, can cause trouble with the authorities. Photography of, or near, military official installations is strictly prohibited. This includes the Suez Canal. There are sensitivities about taking photographs of public buildings or infrastructure. Carry photographic identification at all times. Notes: 1. Maps used in SSI RM's Country Briefs are sourced under the Open Government Licence v3.0 from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's foreign travel advice website. Map Crown Copyright 2017 (FCO363 Edition 4). 5