AFRICA

Chad (Security threat level – 5): On 20 October 2022, Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo enacted a 1800-0600 local time (1700-0500 UTC) nightly curfew in the capital N’Djamena and the towns of Doba and Koumra — both located in southern Chad near the country’s border with the Central African Republic — following large-scale anti-government protests in the country. Additionally, Kebzabo announced the suspension of all social and political activities for three opposition parties — Les Transformateurs, the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF) and the Wakit Tamma coalition — that organized the unauthorized demonstrations earlier the same day. In N’Djamena, demonstrations quickly turned violent as protesters broke through barricades erected by police officers and set fire to the headquarters of the prime minister’s National Rally for Democracy party. Police officers used live ammunition and tear gas in an attempt to dispel the demonstrators; however, protests and related violence soon spread to other cities and towns in Chad, including Moundou, Koumra and Doba. At least 60 people were killed, including approximately 10 security personnel, and an additional 500 people injured in the violence throughout the country.

The ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) formed a national unity government on 14 October to govern Chad until the implementation of democratic elections. Although the TMC originally stated that elections would take place in 2022, the deadline was extended to 2024, infuriating opposition and civil society groups.

Analyst Comment: While addressing the violence occurring throughout the country, Kebzabo referred to the anti-government demonstrations and related violence as an “insurrection and a rebellion to seize power by force.” Kebzabo’s comments indicate that the TMC will likely perceive any additional unauthorized demonstrations or defiance of the nightly curfew as an attempt by opposition groups to foment further unrest and social instability. Therefore, it is highly likely that authorities will continue to deal with the current unrest harshly, using maximum force.

ASIA

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 21 October 2022, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified former Prime Minister Imran Khan from holding office for five years because of his corrupt acceptance and resale of gifts from foreign entities. Specifically, the commission noted that Khan had made false declarations related to the resale of gifts given to him by Saudi Arabian and Emirati leaders while in office — an illegal act according to Pakistan’s constitution. Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has called on their supporters to protest the ruling. Local media sources report protests are already occurring in the cities of Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar.

Analyst Comment: Despite his ouster following a parliamentary vote of no confidence vote in April 2022, Khan maintains substantial support in Pakistan. Travelers should expect increasing protests in Pakistani cities in the coming days to oppose the ruling, some of which may become violent.

NORTH AMERICA

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): As of 0700 local time (1200 UTC), Tropical Storm Roslyn was located approximately 305 km (190 mi) south of the western coastal city of Manzanillo in Colima state and about 475 km south-southeast of the municipality of Cabo Corrientes in Jalisco state, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, the storm was moving southeast at a speed of 11 kph (7 mph) and had maximum sustained winds of 100 kph, with higher gusts. Roslyn is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane on the evening of 21 October and turn northwest until 22 October. The storm is then expected to track parallel to the southwestern Mexican coast before making landfall in west-central Mexico overnight on 22-23 October.

The storm is expected to produce the following amount of rainfall: 25-75 mm (1-3 in) in the states of Guerrero and Michoacan; 50-100 mm in Colima and Jalisco, with isolated maximums of up to 150 mm; and 100-150 mm in the states of Nayarit and Sinaloa, as well as on the Islas Marías archipelago, with maximum rainfall of up to 200 mm. The heavy rainfall could cause flash floods and landslides in west-central Mexico. Additionally, storm-generated swells are likely to cause hazardous surf and riptide conditions along the coastline on 22-23 October. A Hurricane Warning is currently in effect from Playa Perula Beach to Cabo Corrientes. A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Cabo Corrientes to the town of El Roblito in Nayarit state, as well as for Las Islas Marias. Additionally, A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from the south of Playa Perula to Manzanillo city.

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 20 October 2022, a fuel tanker collided with an overpass as a cargo train carrying flammable materials passed by on Aguascalientes Avenue in the central area of the Mexican city of Aguascalientes. The explosion from the accident and subsequent blaze damaged more than 120 homes and 50 vehicles. Authorities ordered the evacuation of approximately 1,500 people from a nearby residential area. First responders rescued 12 people trapped in their homes due to flames. Apart from one person suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation, there were no reported injuries. Initial reports indicate that the driver of the fuel tanker — who has since been arrested — had attempted to recklessly pass through the rail crossing to avoid waiting for the train’s passage. The affected sections of the Federal Highway 40 are closed until further notice.

SOUTH AMERICA

Uruguay (Security threat level – 2): On the morning of 20 October 2022, approximately 10,000 demonstrators marched from the University of the Republic to the Legislative Palace in the capital Montevideo. Workers arrived in buses and trucks from other parts of Uruguay to participate in the protest organized by the Single National Union of Construction and Annexes (Sunca) to demand higher wages, employment opportunities and improved working conditions. Traffic was heavily disrupted due to the demonstration. While there are no protests scheduled for 21 October, travelers in Montevideo should prepare for sporadic protests to cause traffic delays.