AFRICA

Guinea (Security threat level – 4): On 9 August 2022, Guinea’s ruling military junta issued a decree dissolving the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) — a coalition of political parties, trade unions and civil society groups that opposes the military regime. The junta accused the opposition coalition of undermining national unity and organizing acts of violence. FNDC leaders have condemned the move as a sign of the junta’s unwillingness to commit to a “credible dialogue” regarding a transition to civilian rule. Despite the ban, the FNDC plans to hold countrywide demonstrations against the military government on 17 August. The FNDC led the 28-29 July demonstrations in the capital Conakry that devolved into clashes with security personnel, during which five people were killed.

NORTH AMERICA

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): During the evening hours of 9 August 2022, suspected cartel members erected flaming blockades on city streets and exchanged gunfire with security personnel in the Guadalajara metropolitan area in Jalisco state. The roadblocks — intended to impede the movement of law enforcement personnel — were reported at five intersections in the northern areas of Loma El Pedregal, Paseo de las Bosques and Zapopan. Gunmen forced drivers out of their vehicles at each intersection and then set fire to the vehicles to create blockades. There were no reported casualties due to the events. Local media reports suggest that the shootout and blockades occurred in response to the arrest and detention of a Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader. Criminals also erected blockades in the cities of Irapuato and Celaya, both located in adjacent Guanajuato state, and set fire to several stores in those cities.

OCEANIA

Papua New Guinea (Security threat level – 5): On 9 August 2022, Prime Minister James Marape was sworn in for a second term in office after his Pangu Party secured 36 seats in the 118-member Parliament. Marape, who was first elected as prime minister in 2019, is set to lead a coalition government comprising 17 political parties and is expected to pursue electoral reforms and push for an increase in revenue from natural resources such as mining. International observers found the 2022 general election to be fraught with violence and fraud, with the vote tally extended beyond the typical three-week period due to “extraordinary circumstances.” At least 18 people were killed in eastern Enga province on 21 July amid communal clashes and election-related violence. The winners of 13 seats in Parliament have yet to be determined.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Vietnam (Security threat level – 1): On 9 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi issued a Weather Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi alert U.S. citizens to Typhoon Mulan, which is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Meteorologists predict some areas will receive as much as 10 inches (250 millimeters) of rain. Coastal areas from Ha Tinh province northward to the border with the People’s Republic of China can expect heavy rain.

“The typhoon season in Vietnam runs annually from approximately June 1 through the end of November, while the tropical cyclone season typically runs from November 1 to April 30. If you are a U.S. Citizen traveling or residing in Vietnam, you may enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety messages and other travel information. During the approach of a typhoon you should monitor the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center and the Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.”

The full text of the alert is available here.