obs-global-security-update-february-2015

Global Security ReportGlobal Security Report – Executive SummaryJanuary 1 – 31, 2015AfricaAcross the African continent, the threat of terrorism and kidnap is high, particularly in the Sahel region andsurrounding areas.In West Africa, the threat of kidnap and terrorism is high, especially in Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon. Thesecurity situation in northern Nigeria has continued to deteriorate, with Boko Haram surrounding Borno state capital,Maiduguri, and launching two attacks, both of which were repelled by the Nigerian military. Further attacks on thekey city are likely to occur as the militant group will likely attempt to gain control of the strategic city before thepresidential elections. Chad has deployed troops into neighboring Cameroon and is currently actively fighting BokoHaram militants in the region. General elections in Nigeria are due to take place on 14 February and then widely atstate level on 28 February. OBS advises all travellers to exercise caution and vigilance during the campaign periodand elections, particularly in areas where there are political or large public gatherings. Boko Haram militants may tryto target campaign groups. There are currently 22,057 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of EVD and 8795deaths. A total of 816 confirmed health worker infections have been reported in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone;there have been 488 reported deaths. For the first time since the week ending 29 June 2014, the WHO has reportedfewer than 100 new confirmed cases reported in a week in the three most affected countries. In the week leadingup to 25 January 2015, a total of 99 confirmed cases were reported in three countries: 30 in Guinea; 4 in Liberia and65 in Sierra Leone. Over the past week, case incidence in Guinea has increased, with a total of 30 confirmed EVDcases, compared with 20 that were reported the week before. This is the first time this year that case incidence inGuinea has increased from week-to-week. During this reporting period, eight districts reported a confirmed orprobable case of EVD. The northern district of Mali, which is located near the border with Senegal, reported its firstconfirmed EVD case. The patient is a man who recently travelled from Liberia. Due to Senegal recently reopeningits border crossings with Guinea, surveillance in districts that border the affected countries are being implemented.In other regions of Guinea, the western district of Forecariah confirmed 15 new cases in the week leading up to 252