Monrovia - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Liberia is extremely safe. I only once felt unsafe, and that was when I got caught in a mob protest. I would say it is also healthy as long as you make a point to go to the gym regularly and stay away from the oily Liberian food. - Oct 2021
Crime is on the rise because the economic conditions are deteriorating. You will hear about phones or purses being snatched but that is mostly local on local. The rest is common sense. Do not walk along the beach at night alone. - Aug 2019
We didn't go out late at night. There were few issue while we were at post. - Aug 2019
Standard awareness is necessary. Snatch and grabs do happen. The embassy does a good job of alerting embassy personnel when protests are happening and streets are blocked. - Aug 2019
No different to any city. There are some former combatants with drug problems who beg, particularly around some of the supermarkets, and I've been told they can be dangerous but I've not seen any issues myself. - Nov 2017
Occasional muggings, particularly outside bars and clubs and other crimes of opportunity. But overall, I have personally felt safer living in Monrovia than other parts of Africa or in large U.S. cities. - Jun 2016
Most of the crimes against Western expats are thefts and burglaries, especially crimes of opportunity. Mob violence can occur, especially after car accidents. - Aug 2015
It's not wise to be out after dark. Several friends were mugged or robbed. - Dec 2013
Monrovia is currently rated a high crime-threat post. The usual pickpockets are everywhere, but home burglary has been quite high lately. We've had about 4-5 burglaries and attempted burglaries this year. Muggings can also be a problem. There are some areas where you just probably shouldn't be wandering around by yourself at 11 at night. - Dec 2012
UNMIL (United Nations Mission to Liberia) is still present - although they are planning to draw down. The LNP (Liberia National Police) are inexperienced, are not armed, and rule of law is still more of a theory than practiced. Common sense when out in public goes a long way - no flashy jewelry, leaving stuff in the car. But I had qualms going for runs during daylight in town. The city is slowly being electrified - so at night it is very dark and people tend to drive with their high beams on which I found uncomfortable. Locals tend to cross the streets at random so driving in general requires vigilance. - Aug 2010
Liberia is still rebuilding after almost 20 years of civil war. Without the presence of 12,000 UNMIL peacekeeping troops, there is the possibility Liberia could return to such a state of instability and insecurity. Individuals should be acutely aware of their personal security at all times, as robbery (sometimes armed, but no instances reported against U.S. personnel) is a common occurrence. Individuals can also find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time - some Liberians respond to criminal acts through the use of mob violence (not a situation you want to find yourself in). - Jul 2009
