The Week Ahead: October 21, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Brussels, Belgium: Protest Advisory | On October 22, protesters will gather in the Woluwe-Saint-Lambert municipality in response to illegal evictions. The protest will take place at 451 Georges Henri Avenue during an eviction operation and protesters will demand an end to illegal evictions in the region. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Prepare alternate travel routes and monitor local media for updates.
  • Naxos, Greece: Protest Advisory | On October 23 at 11:30 AM, activists will protest outside the Court of First Instance on Plateia Petroi Evipaioi. The demonstrations are planned to demand improvements in the education sector and protection of teachers’ rights. Police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and monitor local media for updates.
  • Berlin, Germany: Protest Advisory | On October 24 at 9:00 AM, protesters plan to gather in Berlin, Germany to denounce racism and anti-immigration ideology. Demonstrators plan to gather near the Berlin Immigration Office on Friedrich Krause Ufer Street. Travelers should stay up-to-date with local media and make alternate travel plans. 
  • Saint-Peray, France: Protest Advisory | On October 26 at 2:30 PM, activists will gather near Mairie de Saint-Péray to denounce planned excavations, road diversions, and urbanization projects. Police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and monitor local media for updates.
Americas
  • Cali, Colombia: Security Advisory | Until November 1, security will be increased throughout Cali for the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16). A force of 11,000 police and military personnel have been deployed to secure the event. Increased controls will likely cause disruptions to travel. Associated protests are possible. Travelers are advised to expect delays. Carry identification for passage through checkpoints and follow directives of authorities. Avoid travel to rural areas of Valle del Cauca. Exercise increased awareness and monitor local media for updates.
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On October 22 at 1:30 PM, activists will gather outside the National Congress before marching to Plaza de Mayo to denounce budget cuts in education and healthcare. Police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and monitor local media for updates.
  • Peru: Protest Advisory | On October 23, transportation workers will strike across Peru against violence by gangs targeting the workers. The country is in a state of emergency due to recent strikes, which have expanded to more districts. Demonstrations are planned in Lima at Plaza Dos de Mayo at 10:00 AM, followed by a march to Congress at 12:00 PM. Travelers should expect transportation delays and plan travel ahead of time. Avoid protest areas and follow directions from authorities. Monitor local media for updates and advisories. 
  • Cuba: Disaster Advisory | As of October 18, power outages are occurring across Cuba due to a major failure at the Antonio Guiteras power plant. Disruptions in businesses, transportation, and telecommunication are likely. Security risks are heightened as alarm systems and other security measures are affected. Protests against the government may also occur. Technicians are working to restore power, but there is no time frame for when the outage will end. Travelers should charge electronic devices and monitor media and other services for updates and advisories. Avoid any protest areas and follow instructions from authorities. 
Asia & Pacific
  • Bangkok, Thailand: Protest Advisory | Through October 31, the People’s Movement for a Just Society is protesting outside Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, having started on October 7. The group occupies the area from Phitsanulok Road to Ratchadamnoen Nok Road. Authorities are increasing security, and transportation disruptions are likely. Travelers should plan alternate routes, avoid the protest area, and seek shelter in safe non-government buildings if unrest occurs. Follow authorities’ directions and monitor local media for updates.
  • India: Health Advisory | In response to a recent murder of a resident doctor in West Bengal, medical practitioners across India are holding demonstrations and hunger strikes as of October 14. Disruptions to non-emergency services are likely, with sit-in protests expected at medical and government buildings. Isolated clashes may occur, so it’s advisable to reconfirm medical appointments, avoid protest sites, seek shelter during disturbances, and plan alternate travel routes in case of road closures.
  • Sydney, Australia: Protest Advisory | On October 23 at 12:00 PM, protesters will gather at Martin Place and Macquarie Street in Sydney, Australia. Forest conservation activists will demonstrate against native logging operations throughout Australia. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Expect travel delays and prepare alternate travel routes. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • South Korea and Japan: Security Advisory | In the coming months, individuals in Japan and South Korea should closely monitor developments amid rising tensions with North Korea. Recently, North Korea labeled South Korea a “hostile state” following acts of aggression, including the destruction of roads and railways. South Korean authorities are particularly concerned as the U.S. election approaches on November 5. Travelers should monitor all developments via reliable media sources and local news outlets. Avoid contact with fallen waste balloons and report them to authorities. 
  • Asia and the Pacific: Weather Advisory | Until at least April, expect disruptions to travel and essential services caused by the start of monsoon season in Asia and the Pacific. Flooding, heavy rainfall, and landslides are common, especially in low-lying communities. Travelers are advised to monitor local weather reports and maintain flexible itineraries. Reconfirm travel plans and use caution. Ensure electronic devices are charged and stock up on necessities. 
Africa & Middle East
  • Gauteng Province, South Africa: Protest Advisory | Activists may protest across Gauteng through October 25 to denounce a shopkeeper’s shooting. Related protests occurred in Sharpeville on October 16-17, involving targeted looting and arson of foreign-owned businesses. Additional protests are likely, particularly in Sharpeville and Soweto. Expect police presence and possible road disruptions. Clashes with security forces may occur. Travelers should avoid protest areas, stay alert, and monitor local media for updates.
  • Mozambique: Security Advisory | On October 18, the US Embassy issued a security alert for Mozambique during the election season. The issue warns of rallies and protests occurring, which may lead to unrest and violence. Travelers should avoid election-related demonstrations and leave the area at any signs of unrest. Monitor the local media for updates and further advisories.
  • Kenya: Protest Advisory | In the coming weeks, protesters will likely gather in urban areas in Kenya in response to the recent impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Supporters will likely rally in support of the former Deputy President and political tensions are likely to increase. Police clashes are likely, and protests may occur with little to no notice. Travelers should heighten situational awareness when in public spaces. If protests begin, leave the area immediately. Do not engage with protesters. 
  • Kenya: Security Advisory | Until November 10, several areas, including Areri, Madogo, Sala, and others, are considered dangerous due to communal clashes and violence, which have resulted in at least 18 deaths and hundreds displaced. Increased security and travel disruptions are likely in Tana River County. Travelers should avoid affected areas and, if necessary, connect with local contacts to assess risks. Stay aware of your surroundings and monitor local media for updates.

Recent
Advisories

On November 22, South Africa declared foodborne illness a national disaster with 900 cases and 20 fatalities since September.

On November 22, South Africa declared foodborne illness a national disaster after 900 cases and over 20 deaths since September. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, and vomiting. The specific cause of the illness remains unknown. Authorities have imposed stricter food handling practices, food safety guidelines, and inspections.

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