02 Dec 2024 | 02:05 PM UTC
Angola: Increased security likely in Luanda and Lobito for US President visit Dec. 2-4
Increased security, ground and air travel disruptions likely in Luanda and Lobito Angola Dec. 2-4 during state visit by US President.
US President Joe Biden will visit Angola Dec. 2-4. The President is expected to deliver landmark announcements on the Lobito Trans Africa Corridor-the US's largest investment project in Africa-among other subjects. President Biden is expected to land at Quatro de Fevereiro Luanda International Airport (LAD) around 17:00 Dec. 2. He is scheduled to visit the National Slavery Museum on Dec. 3, then travel to Lobito via Catumbela Airport (CBT) on Dec. 4 to visit the Lobito Port Terminal. Increased security measures are being implemented throughout the capital, with additional police and military personnel deployed. Authorities have declared Dec. 3 and 4 public holidays in Benguela and Luanda provinces.
Increased security is likely in Luanda, Benguela, and their surrounding areas; security measures could include extensive road closures and checkpoints and a visibly increased police presence in central and sensitive areas. Increased security, air travel delays, and ground travel disruptions at LAD, CBT, and Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto Angola International Airport (NBJ) are likely. Port terminal disruptions in Lobito are also likely on Dec. 4. Increased security checks at the airports are likely. Demonstrations, while unlikely, are possible and should remain peaceful. Security personnel will likely seek to rapidly disperse any hostile gathering that may materialize.
Plan for localized travel disruptions in Luanda on Dec. 2-4 and Lobito on Dec. 4. Prepare for possible movement disruptions and other heightened security measures. Plan for possible delays at both LAD and Dr. NBJ in Luanda and CBT near Lobito. Reconfirm administrative appointments at the US Embassy. As a standard precaution, avoid any protests that occur. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Plan for increased employee absenteeism and business closures. Reconfirm business appointments.
