AMERICAS

Cuba (Security threat level – 2): On 6 April 2022, Cuban authorities removed select coronavirus-related entry requirements in response to Cuba’s high immunization rate. Visitors no longer need to present a negative PCR test result or proof of vaccination but must continue to fill out a health declaration form prior to arrival. Officials will also continue to conduct randomized PCR tests on arriving passengers and mandate hospitalization for individuals who test positive.

Peru (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 0500 local time (1000 UTC) on 6 April 2022, ongoing protests against high fuel and fertilizer prices continued as police officers deployed tear gas to disperse protesters who attempted to block the Panamericana Sur highway in the Barrio Chino neighborhood of the city of Pisco – located in the southern region of Ica – causing traffic disruptions in the area. Protesters threw stones at one interprovincial passenger bus that attempted to pass through the area. There were no reports of injuries.

On the night of 5 April hundreds of protesters demonstrating against a 22-hour lockdown declared on 4 April vandalized the headquarters of the Superior Court of Justice – located approximately 2 km (1 mi) south of Lima’s city center. The protesters also set fires on Nicolas de Pierola Avenue amid clashes with riot police. Shortly before marching on the Superior Court of Justice headquarters, protesters attacked the Public Ministry headquarters on Abancay Avenue before riot police officers cleared them from the area. Prior to reaching the Public Ministry building, protesters clashed with police officers outside the Congress of the Republic building after bypassing police barricades on Abancay Avenue. Approximately 25 police officers were injured in the clashes. Authorities arrested at least eight people.

Analyst Comment: Although the 22-hour curfew for the Lima metropolitan area was canceled by presidential decree at 1700 local time on 5 April, the continuation of protests in Lima indicates that widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration’s approach toward fuel and fertilizer price increases is likely to spur similar protests in Lima and potentially other cities through the next few days. As such, road closures and an increased police presence in the city center and near government buildings should be expected. Additionally, local reporting indicates that government security forces have not yet restored full order in the Lima metropolitan area.

EUROPE

Greece (Security threat level – 2): On 6 April 2022, thousands of people participated in a 24-hour general strike that culminated in a rally near the Parliament building in central Athens to protest the rising cost of living and to demand higher wages. Officials estimate that approximately 10,000 people participated in the strike action, which disrupted access to public transportation services, hospitals and roads near the city center. There were no reports of arrests or violence. In Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, approximately 9,000 residents marched in solidarity with protesters in Athens. The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) union organized the strike.

Romania (Security threat level – 2): On 6 April 2022, a vehicle carrying containers of flammable materials rammed into the front gate of the Russian Embassy in the capital city Bucharest. The vehicle burst into flames upon impact but did not enter the compound beyond the embassy’s gates. Authorities stated that the driver of the vehicle died on the scene. While the identity of the driver and a potential motive for the attack have yet to be released, the Russian Embassy issued a statement speculating that the driver’s motive was connected to “anti-Russian hysteria,” and that the embassy had received several threats prior to the event.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Burkina Faso (Security threat level – 4): On the evening of 4 April 2022, gunmen abducted a U.S. expatriate in the northeastern department of Yalgo. The gunmen kidnapped the U.S. national – a Catholic nun serving as a missionary who has resided at a convent in Yalgo since 2014 – after they vandalized the convent and attempted to steal a community vehicle. There have been no ransom demands and the abducted nun’s location remains unknown.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Sudan (Security threat level – 5): On 5 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Widespread acts of civil disobedience are expected to take place in Khartoum and other states on Wednesday, April 6, with the possibility for some security preparations and protests to begin as early as the night before on April 5. This may include centralized or decentralized demonstrations, road blockages by protesters, and business closures. Security forces appear prepared to close the Mak Nimir and Kobar bridges. Other bridges may be closed and checkpoints may be established. Unannounced protests and other acts of civil disobedience may continue to take place, in addition to larger organized protests. Embassy personnel have been encouraged to work from home.”

Analyst Comment: Authorities have now announced the closure of all Nile bridges in Khartoum on 6 April except for the Soba and al-Halafaia bridges.