EUROPE

Turkey (Security threat level – 4): On 10 June 2020, Anadolu Jet, a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, announced plans to resume international flights beginning on 11 June to several cities in Europe, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Brussels, Paris, Vienna and Stockholm. Despite the announcement, Turkish Airlines, including Anadolu Jet, has not yet received permits to fly from Turkish aviation officials. Multiple planned international flights on 10 June were canceled due to a lack of permits, and future flights may also be canceled.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Burundi (Security threat level – 4): On 9 June 2020, government officials announced that outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza died from an apparent heart attack the previous day. Nkurunziza — the leader of the ruling Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party — was expected to leave office soon but retain a leadership role in the newly created "Paramount Leader" position. His hand-picked presidential successor, General Evariste Ndayishimiye, won the 20 May presidential election; however, Burundi’s opposition parties contend that the election was unfair. Nkurunziza was initially admitted to the Karusi Fiftieth Anniversary Hospital on 6 June for unspecified health concerns and his condition reportedly improved before a sudden cardiac arrest on 8 June. The government has declared a seven-day mourning period for Nkurunziza, a former rebel leader, who had been president since he was initially elected in 2005 after the civil war

Analyst Comment: Although Ndayishimiye is expected to succeed Nkurunziza, a period of political uncertainty is likely to continue considering Nkurunziza’s intended role as Paramount Leader. Additionally, the opposition’s ongoing denouncement of Ndayishimiye’s victory in the recent election indicates that political opponents may seek to challenge his presidency. Travelers and entities with interest in Burundi should closely monitor forthcoming political developments in the country.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Kosovo (Security threat level – 4): On 9 June 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Pristina issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Skanderbeg Square, Pristina, Kosovo

“Event: Several events are scheduled to occur between June 10 – 17, 2020. These events include, but are not limited to, the 21st anniversary of the liberation of Kosovo and the 15th anniversary of Vetëvendosje (VV). VV is organizing a political protest (“gathering”) on June 12, in Skanderbeg Square, Pristina.

“U.S. government personnel and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can quickly turn violent. Large gatherings may also become COVID-19 super spreading events.”
Switzerland (Security threat level – 2): On 10 June 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Switzerland, which reads in part as follows: “All shops, restaurants, markets, museums and libraries are now able to reopen with social distancing measures in place. Restaurants are able to accommodate groups of more than four people. Events of up to 300 people are permitted. All contact with other individuals should be kept to a minimum, and a distance of 2 metres should be maintained at all times.”