Lonely Planet Senegal

I would really like to go to Senegal. However, after reading the Lonely Planet Travel, I'm not sure if it would be safe. The guide Senegal seems relatively safe to visit. Does anyone have first hand information on the safety of travel to Senegal?

Each country has its dangers, including yours (where you live).
Senegal has problems with thieves, other types of crime, etc., but it is still one of the safest places in Africa and in a beautiful place. If you are not Streetwise and like to walk with an expensive camera around your neck in the alleys at night, stay at home. Senegal is not the place for you. The world is made for you, either ...

November 8, 2007

Safety and security: public demonstrations, political rallies and student protests are relatively common in Senegal, both in Dakar and in outlying areas, especially on Friday afternoons. In the past, these events have sometimes turned violent. Because of the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political rallies, street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. For instructions on safe operations with public events, please see page of American Citizen Services U.S. Embassy in Dakar site http://dakar.usembassy.gov/service.html .
Rose Lake (Lake Rose) is a popular tourist destination in Senegal. The Lac Rose, a large number of tourists, secluded beaches, but lack of multiple outputs and points of entry. The U.S. Embassy recommends that all visitors to the Rose Lake and its surrounding beaches to be particularly vigilant and not to travel alone, especially at night.

Acts of banditry occurs with some regularity on the main roads at night, especially in the central and eastern Senegal, including around Tambacounda and Matam. Bandits often target RN2 (road) and between Ndioum Kidira and sometimes targets RN1 between Kidira and Tambacounda. In February 2007, the prisoners escaped from a prison in Guinea and may be in the region along the border with Senegal near Kedougou.

The Embassy of the United States recommends that U.S. citizens avoid non-essential travel to the Casamance (Ziguinchor and consisting of the Kolda region), west of the city of Kolda, except direct air travel to Cape area Skirring station or the city of Ziguinchor. If travel is deemed essential, the Embassy of the United States recommends that U.S. citizens to carefully monitor the security situation before traveling. During the first part of 2007, there was an increase in fighting in some parts of the region of Casamance separatists involving factions of the MFDC (Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance) and the Senegalese army. Two politicians in the region of Casamance have been killed in 2006/2007. Reports of banditry in the region have increased sporadically vehicles occasional attacks by gunmen during the day on busy roads. On February 14, 2007, four people were injured when their vehicle did not stop at a makeshift roadblock.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw ...