The Week Ahead: February 5, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Nationwide, Portugal: Protest Advisory | Protests around new EU agricultural policies are expected to continue in the coming days. Recent roadblockades have been lifted, but disruptions are expected to persist. Plan for travel delays. 
  • Ile de France, France: Travel Advisory | Beginning on February 5, public transportation workers from the CGT-RATP union will strike over pay disputes. The strike is scheduled to last until September 9. Plan for alternate travel.
  • London, UK: Protest Advisory | On February 7, protesters will demonstrate outside BBC headquarters in response to the Israel-Hamas war. Plan journeys around BBC HQ and avoid protests. 
  • Extremadura, Spain: Protest Advisory | On February 9, farmers will begin blocking roads from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM in protest of EU agricultural policies. Plan routes around demonstrations and expect travel delays.  
  • Turin, Italy: Protest Advisory | On February 10, Gruppo Torinese Trasporti public transport employees will strike for 24 hours. Bus and subway services will have limited availability. Make alternate travel plans and anticipate travel delays. 
  • Nationwide, Greece: Protest Advisory | Over the next few days, city centers will likely experience more civil activity following clashes between riot police and protesters on February 1. Students have been protesting against the government’s allowance of private universities. Avoid protests and maintain vigilance in urban centers. 
Americas
  • Valparaiso, Chile: Disaster Advisory | Wildfires are expected to continue in Valparaiso in the coming days. The highest level of alert (red) has been issued by the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, prompting evacuations and curfews. Expect traffic delays and heed evacuation orders. Monitor local media for evacuation notices and air quality alerts.
  • Tijuana, Mexico: Weather Advisory | Disruptions caused by heavy rainfall around Tijuana are likely to persist in the coming days and may cause disruptions to transport and public services. 
  • Nationwide, Mexico: Protest Advisory | On February 5, unionized truck drivers will protest across Mexico regarding an increasing lack of security on Mexico’s highways. Protesters plan to block freight traffic on highways but will allow commuter traffic. Plan for traffic delays and supply chain disruptions. 
  • Sao Sebastiao, Brazil: Protest Advisory | On February 7, supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro are expected to demonstrate outside the Federal Police station following an alleged jet skiing incident between Bolsonaro and a humpback whale. Avoid the area. 
  • Apurímac-Cusco-Arequipa Corridor, Peru: Security Advisory | The Peruvian government has issued a State of Emergency from February 5–March 6, effective within 500 meters of the Apurímac-Cusco-Arequipa road corridor. Protests surrounding online ticket sales to Machu Picchu have prompted increased security measures, including searches, checkpoints, and patrols by police and military. Carry all travel documents on hand and plan for travel delays. 
Asia & Pacific
  • Waitangi, New Zealand: Protest Advisory |  Demonstrations are likely during the National Waitangi Day celebration from February 3–6. Roughly 60,000 people are expected to attend the main events, and anti-government protests are scheduled during the celebrations. Maintain situational awareness and avoid protests. 
  • Canberra, Australia: Protest Advisory | On February 6, protesters plan to gather in front of Parliament House at 10:00 AM to oppose the construction of new renewable energy farms. Plan journeys around the area and avoid protests. 
  • Maharashtra State, India: Health Advisory | 4,000 doctors with the Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors are threatening a work stoppage on February 7 over complaints about stipends and housing. Should demands go unheard, plan for disruptions in medical services throughout the state. 
  • Nationwide, Indonesia: Security Advisory | Through February 14, the Indonesian election campaign season will likely prompt an increase in security forces. Large meetings may take place in open areas, where there will likely be a heightened security presence. Avoid large gatherings and carry identification. 
Africa & Middle East
  • Nationwide, Senegal: Protest Advisory | Protests stemming from the indefinite suspension of the February 25 presidential election are likely across Senegal in the coming days. Expect heightened security and avoid large public gatherings. 
  • Nairobi, Kenya: Disaster Advisory | Disruptions to traffic and emergency services are likely in the coming days following a deadly gas explosion on February 1. Expect traffic delays in the Embakasi neighborhood. 
  • Pretoria, South Africa: Protest Advisory | An anti-mining group will protest outside the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on February 8 to demand companies practice responsible mining. Plan journeys around the area. 
  • Regionwide, Middle East & North Africa: Protest Advisory | Through the end of February, rallies and protests in support of Palestine are likely to continue across MENA. Western diplomatic missions, areas bordering Israel, public squares, mosques, and synagogues are most likely to see protest activity. Plan for travel disruptions and avoid protests.

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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