Tunisia (Security threat level – 3): On 17 January 2019, the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) launched a 24-hour nationwide strike to protest against the government’s refusal to increase the salaries of approximately 670,000 public employees. Transportation and public services were disrupted throughout the country, including at Tunis-Carthage International Airport (DTTA/TUN), where all inbound and outbound flights were canceled. Thousands of demonstrators also gathered in front of the UGTT headquarters in the capital Tunis and began marching along the city’s main thoroughfare. A large security presence monitored the march, but there were no reports of violence. Other protests also occurred in cities such as Sidi Bouzid, Gafsa, Jendouba and Sfax.
Côte d’Ivoire (Security threat level – 4): On 17 January 2019, protests broke out across Côte d’Ivoire for the second day in a row in reaction to the International Criminal Court’s acquittal of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and political leader Charles Blé Goudé on charges of crimes against humanity committed during Gbagbo’s presidency. Anti-Gbagbo demonstrators rallied in the central city of Bouaké on 17 January to protest against the acquittal. Meanwhile, in Abidjan, anti-Gbagbo protesters demonstrated in the city’s Abobo and Anyama communes on 16 January. Protesters in Abobo blocked roads and burned tires; information regarding instances of violence in Anyama is not yet available.
Zimbabwe (Security threat level – 4): As of 17 January 2019, some businesses and banks have reopened in Harare, although it appears that public transportation has not resumed, following the end to a three-day strike over high fuel prices. There are also reports of soldiers monitoring long lines at fuel stations in Harare. Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, most businesses and schools remain closed. While some reports indicate that internet services have been restored nationwide, some users are still unable to access social media sites such as Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter. According to Zimbabwe’s state security minister, more than 600 people were arrested during violent protests nationwide over the last few days, including a prominent activist pastor, who will appear in court in Harare on 17 January to face charges regarding inciting public violence. According to the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights, doctors treated 68 cases of gunshot wounds and more than 100 other cases of “assaults with sharp objects, booted feet, baton sticks,” among other injuries.
Ecuador (Security threat level – 3): On 17 January 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Ecuador, which reads in part as follows:
France (Security threat level – 3): On 17 January 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice regarding upcoming “yellow vest” protests in France, which reads in part as follows:
Lebanon (Security threat level – 4): On 17 January 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice regarding the upcoming Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in Beirut, which reads in part as follows: “The Arab Economic and Social Development Summit will be in held in Beirut from 18 to 20 January. Parts of downtown Beirut will be closed and there will be a heavier security presence than usual. You should follow the instructions of security agencies and avoid large crowds.”
Senegal (Security threat level – 3): On 17 January 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar issued a Demonstration Alert regarding political protests, which reads in part as follows:
Serbia (Security threat level – 3): On 16 January 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:
Zimbabwe (Security threat level – 4): On 16 January 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Harare issued a Security Alert regarding ongoing civil unrest that reads in part as follows:
Security threat levels range from 1 (Very Low) to 5 (Very High) and are determined using a comprehensive system that utilizes both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The primary factors used to determine a location’s security threat level are Armed Conflict, Crime, Demonstrations/Strikes, Ethnic/Sectarian Tensions, Graft/Corruption, Kidnapping, Political Instability, Government Restriction and Terrorism.
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