In the coming weeks, members in North and West Africa, especially Francophone countries, should anticipate protests following the French President Emmanuel Macron’s words regarding controversial caricatures of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Further protests are likely around the Prophet’s birthday on 29 October and All Saints’ Day on 1 November.
Julius Malema, leader of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, and EFF lawmaker Mbuyiseni Ndlozi are to stand trial on 28-29 October for allegedly assaulting a police officer. Supporters of defendants are likely to gather outside the Randburg Magistrates’’ Court. This could cause localized disruption as well as risk for clashes between police and parties involved.
Tropical Storm Zeta is forecast to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane and make landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula on 27 October. Hurricane conditions are expected to begin by late 26 October and authorities have issued a hurricane warning from Tulum to Río Lagartos.
Currently, on 26 October, the N1 Highway is closed in both directions at De Doorns due to an unruly protest. Protestors have reportedly set a vehicle on fire. All traffic is being diverted to the R46 Highway. Members should reconfirm the status of routes and allow more time for journeys. Expect a heightened police presence in the area.
Various women’s organizations have called for the staging of nationwide protests from 26 October – 28 October. Participants are expected to simultaneously block vehicular traffic on major thoroughfares beginning at 16:00 (local time) in various cities, including the capital, Warsaw. Protests and strikes have been organized to oppose the Constitutional Tribunal’s decision to criminalize abortion on the ground of fetal defect or fetal illness.
On 22 October, a gas pipeline explosion occurred near the Preng police station, killing at least two people and injuring more than two dozen others. The resulting fire burned multiple vehicles and structures in the area and was reportedly under control as of 15:15 local time. Officials have begun an investigation. Expect a heightened security presence and associated travel disruptions.
Travelers using El Alto and Viru Viru International airports over the next 48 hours should anticipate disruption due to an ongoing strike by air traffic controllers. The industrial action, which will likely last until 23 October, has prompted flight cancellations. Operations for aircraft for emergency, cargo, medical evacuation reasons will be allowed during the strike.
Travelers of Lyon in the coming hours of 22 October should avoid the vicinity of the Part-Dieu train station amid an ongoing investigation into a bomb threat. The police have evacuated the building while they investigate, and all trains have been halted. Media reports suggest evacuation was initiated following suspicious behavior by an individual.
Tropical Storm Saudel is forecasted to impact the central provinces beginning on 24 October. The storm is currently moving towards the East Sea. It is expected to have winds of up to 70-90 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 110 kilometers per hour. There will be continuous heavy rainfall and significant flooding until 25 October.
Moderate to heavy rainfall with possibilities of becoming thunderstorms are expected along the Mediterranean coast until 25 October. Salloum, Siwa, Matrouh, Dabaa, Alexandria, Rasheed, Damietta, Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Daqahliyah, Sharqeya, Gharbeya, Ismailia, Port Said, Suez, and the capital, Cairo are most likely to be affected. Fatalities and widespread disruptions could occur.
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