Bangladesh (Security threat level – 4): On 19 May 2019, workers at state-owned jute mills decided to extend their hours of protest on 22 May to between 0800 and 1400 local time (0200 and 0800 UTC) as part of an ongoing strike action to demand wage arrears. Currently, the daily protests are taking place between 1600 and 1900 local time. During the protests, workers typically block roads and railways, leading to disruptions.
Egypt (Security threat level – 4): On 19 May 2019, a roadside bomb detonated as a tourist bus and a car were passing by the Grand Egyptian Museum, located approximately 3 km (2 mi) from the Giza Pyramid Complex. The blast shattered the windows of both vehicles. At least 16 people were injured in the blast, including several South African nationals. Authorities are investigating the explosion, for which no group has yet claimed responsibility. Terrorism is a longstanding concern in Egypt. The last explosion near Giza occurred in December 2018; the attack killed four people, including three Vietnamese nationals and one Egyptian.
Cameroon (Security threat level – 4): On 17 May 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Cameroon, which reads in part as follows:
Kenya (Security threat level – 4): On 18 May 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:
Kenya (Security threat level – 4): On 21 May 2019, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued updated travel advice for Kenya, which reads in part as follows:
Indonesia (Security threat level – 4): On 21 May 2019, approximately 1,000 people gathered in central Jakarta’s commercial and government district to show their support for opposition candidate Prabowo Subianto, who announced that he intends to challenge the results of the April election. Prabowo claims that there was widespread cheating during the election and that he will be filing a challenge with the Constitutional Court. Indonesia’s election supervisory agency and independent observers, however, maintain that the poll was free and fair, with incumbent President Joko Widodo winning approximately 55.5 percent of the vote compared to Prabowo’s 44.5 percent. Prabowo has urged his supporters to peacefully protest the decision, while the government has warned opponents of the results to not attempt to undermine the elections.
As a precaution, authorities have issued an alert status for Jakarta, which will be in effect from 21 May through 25 May, due to the threat of militants launching “terrorist strikes” on planned rallies opposing the poll results. In recent weeks, security forces have arrested at least 30 Islamist militants suspected of planning attacks. Travelers to Jakarta should avoid all large gatherings as a precaution
Indonesia (Security threat level – 4) : On 22 May 2019, several thousand demonstrators gathered in downtown Jakarta to protest against the official election results, which named incumbent President Joko Widodo the winner over opposition candidate Prabowo Subianto. The demonstration was initially peaceful until a group of protesters set fire to several vehicles and a police dormitory, and threw fireworks and other objects at riot police officers, who responded by firing tear gas. At least six people were killed and more than 200 others were injured in the clashes. At least 20 people have been arrested for their role in the violence. In response to the unrest, the government has partially blocked access to social media in an effort to curb the spread of disinformation following the incident.
Burkina Faso (Security threat level – 4): On 21 May 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:
Indonesia (Security threat level – 4): On 22 May 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:
Actions to Take:
Nicaragua (Security threat level – 4/3: A 24-hour-long nationwide general strike has been underway in Nicaragua since 0000 local time (0600 UTC) on 23 May 2019. The main opposition Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy announced the strike the previous day. Other opposition groups — as well as private sector entities, including the Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) — are also participating in the protest action. The strike has disrupted routine activities in the country, particularly in the capital Managua, where all schools and colleges are closed for the day. As of the latest reports, most of the commercial establishments in the city are closed and only a few vehicles are operating on the streets. The protest action is being organized to demand the release of all political prisoners and to condemn the 16 May killing of a detainee — who was a dual U.S.-Nicaraguan citizen — inside a prison near the capital.
Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): On 22 May 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:
Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 5): On 23 May 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued an update to its travel advisory for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that reads as follows: “The body of former opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi is to be returned to Kinshasa on 30 May 2019. Large scale events and crowds are expected to take place through to 1 June 2019, when a funeral will take place in Kinshasa. You should exercise vigilance and be aware that there will likely be significant disruption to journeys in and around Kinshasa, as well as to and from N’Djili airport.”
Liberia (Security threat level – 4): On 23 May 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued an updated travel advisory for Liberia, which reads in part as follows: “A large protest march by opposition groups is planned for 7 June 2019 in Monrovia and other cities across the country. Traffic in and around Monrovia will likely be significantly disrupted. Routes from town to the airport could be congested or blocked. You should plan any journeys well in advance…While the organisers and Government have committed to keeping these peaceful there is always the possibility of incidents of violence. You should remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities.
Togo (Security threat level – 4): On 22 May 2019, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Advisory for Togo, which reads in part as follows:
“Exercise Increased Caution In:
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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