Colombia (Security threat level – 4): Nationwide demonstrations over a now-annulled tax proposal are likely to continue for a ninth consecutive day on 6 May 2021. Authorities have reached an agreement with truck drivers to lift roadblocks in the capital Bogotá and the surrounding department of Cundinamarca that have disrupted travel between Bogotá and surrounding municipalities. Some cities continue to experience shortages of basic goods, particularly Cali; however, authorities have established 60 humanitarian corridors in 17 departments to allow the passage of essential goods.
On 5 May clashes continued between demonstrators and police officers in Bogotá, with officers deploying tear gas to disperse crowds. According to the mayor of Bogotá, 23 civilians and six police officers were injured during the clashes, while three police stations and three public metro stations were vandalized. Additionally, security personnel conducted an operation in Bogotá’s Ciudad Bolívar area, during which they arrested eight people for allegedly looting commercial establishments. Demonstrators also looted several businesses in the cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta. According to the Ombudsman’s Office of Colombia, a total of 24 people have been killed amid the unrest, including 15 in Cali.
Malaysia (Security threat level – 3): A coronavirus-related Movement Control Order will go into effect in the capital Kuala Lumpur on 7 May 2021, and will remain in place until at least 20 May. Under the measure, interdistrict and interstate travel will be banned except for work or emergencies, all social gatherings will be banned and restaurants may only offer takeaway and delivery services. Additionally, essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations may operate during 0600-2200 local time (2200-1400 UTC); gas stations along highways may remain open 24 hours per day.
Norway (Security threat level – 2): On 5 May 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Oslo issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Oslo Police provided notice of a planned demonstration by members of the Manchester United football supporter club outside the U.S. Embassy on the evening of Thursday, May 6th, from 7PM – 7:30PM. The precise number of demonstrators is unknown at this time but turnout is expected to be low by Oslo Police. Oslo Police will direct the group to a designated area away from the Embassy grounds, a grassy field located approximately 100 meters northeast of the Embassy and next to the grocery store. Although most demonstrations in Oslo are coordinated with local police and remain peaceful, the Embassy advises that even demonstrations expected to be non-violent can sometimes escalate into violence. Therefore, the Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid the demonstrators.”
Switzerland (Security threat level – 2): On 5 May 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Bern issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The Swiss Government has notified the Embassy that a demonstration against U.S. counterterrorism policy in Turkey will occur on Thursday, May 6, 2021. The protest will take place at 3:00 pm at the Kapellenstrasse, near the U.S. Embassy. Local authorities are expecting up to 100 demonstrators. Bern Police will be present and closely monitoring the demonstration. At present, there are no indications of similar protests in other cities in Switzerland.”
Uganda (Security threat level – 4): On 6 May 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The 2021 Ugandan presidential inauguration is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. U.S. citizens in Uganda should heighten awareness and caution during this period. The Ugandan presidential inauguration is a political activity that may attract large numbers of participants. This type of gathering may increase the risk of violence, crime, significant traffic disruptions, and COVID-19 transmission. Clashes at this type of gathering and outbreaks of violence have occurred before, during, and after past presidential swearing-in ceremonies and similar political events in Uganda. Police routinely use force, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, to disperse protests. Demonstrations throughout Uganda have been known to escalate to violence. Thus, U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and crowds as well as take proper precautions against the spread of COVID-19.”
The full text of the alert is available here.
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