LEGEND TRAVEL NEWS ALERT 25 APR 2019 APRIL 25, 2019

AMERICAS

United States

Measles outbreaks have been reported in some states. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. The illness can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure they are fully immunized against measles.

Canada

Travelers in southern parts of Quebec province, including Montreal, Laval, TroisRivieres and Quebec City, should plan journeys accounting for disruption due to ongoing flooding. Authorities have declared States of Emergency in several municipalities. The flooding has affected around 2,500 houses and prompted the evacuation of more than 1,400 people. Local road closures are in place, relief efforts continue, and soldiers have been deployed to affected areas. The flooding is likely to continue for several days but may persist for some weeks as melting snow is expected to keep river water levels high.

Chile

Today, travelers in urban centers should avoid protests by various students’ organizations due to the potential for local unrest. In Santiago, participants will march from Plaza Baquedano to the Los Heroes Metro Station via Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins at 11:00 AM local time. In Concepcion, students will march at 12:00 PM local time from Universidad Catolica de la Santisima Concepcion, Universidad del Bio-Bio, and Plaza Peru. They plan to congregate at the intersection of Avenida Los Carrera and Calle Paicavi.

Colombia

Today, travelers in urban centers, including Bogota, should anticipate disruption and avoid planned demonstrations related to a 24-hour strike by civil society organizations. Various labor unions, as well as teachers and students, are protesting various issues, including the National Development Plan (PND).

Haiti

Tomorrow, travelers should avoid a sit-in protest planned in front of the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Disputes (CSCSA) in Port-au-Prince. The demonstration is being organized to demand that the court publish the final report on funds related to the regional PetroCaribe alliance. Demonstrators believe there was a serious mismanagement of PetroCaribe’s funds by Haitian officials and are calling for a full audit to be released as promised by CSCSA. The protest is liable to be accompanied by heightened security.

Mexico

Last night, demonstrators blocked the Km 29 section of the Mexico-Toluca Highway in Mexico City. According to reports, both lanes were affected. Demonstrators are denouncing the lack of water supply. Travelers should anticipate disruption and plan alternative routes to minimize inconvenience.

Paraguay

Today, travelers in Asuncion and other urban centers should avoid all protests to denounce the temporary suspension of senator Paraguayo Cubas from Congress. Supporters have called for 25,000 demonstrators to gather in front of the National Congress in Asuncion. Authorities have announced the deployment of the National Police personnel to the area to maintain order during the event. Associated rallies are also expected in other urban centers throughout the country.

Peru

Today, travelers in Lima should avoid an anti-corruption rally organized by civil society groups. Participants will gather at Plaza San Martin at 5:00 PM local time. The demonstration has been called in support of prosecutors and judges who are leading investigations into alleged corruption involving Peruvian government officials. While the event should remain peaceful, it is likely to be well attended and cause local traffic disruption.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Regional

Today through Sunday, April 28, all travel to northern Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique and to the Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma regions in Tanzania should be deferred during the passage of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth. The storm is forecast to make landfall this afternoon between Macomia and Mocimboa da Praia districts in Mozambique, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115 miles per hour. Severe flooding and strong winds are expected to cause disruption to transportation and communications. Mozambique Airlines has canceled all flights scheduled at Pemba Airport (POL) today; other airlines may follow suit.

Burkina Faso

On May 1-2, travelers in Ouagadougou should expect heightened security and associated disruption due to a planned official visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. On May 1, Merkel will attend an extraordinary summit of the G5 Sahel. On May 2, she will deliver a speech to students at the Joseph Ki-Zerbo University.

Chad

Today, travelers in Ndjamena should avoid planned protests over a shortage of butane gas in the city. The demonstrations, called by the Chadian Collective Against the High Cost of Living (CTVC), have been prohibited by local authorities and are therefore likely to be forcibly dispersed by security forces. Organizers are calling for protests near the National Assembly, the Ministry of Energy and Oil, and a gas station in the Farcha district.

Congo (DRC)

All travel to rural areas of North Kivu and Ituri provinces should be deferred due to persistent risks posed by rebel and militia activity. The insecurity has been exacerbated by an ongoing outbreak of the Ebola virus in several areas; more than 1,200 confirmed and probable Ebola cases and at least 760 fatalities have been reported. The response to the outbreak has been hindered by an escalation in violence in affected areas, prompting some health organizations to temporarily suspend operations. Security forces are supporting medical staff at entrance/exit points, where travelers are screened prior to entering or exiting affected zones.

Today, travelers in Kinshasa should plan routes bypassing a sit-in protest organized by the Fight for Change (LUCHA) civil society group in protest of the cost and quality of telecommunications. Demonstrators are due to gather outside the offices of the Vodacom telecommunications provider on Boulevard du 30 Juin at 10:00 AM local time. Similar protests occurred in North and South Kivu provinces in the past weeks, leading to protesters’ arrests in Butembo. While the protest is likely to pass off peacefully, local disruption may occur.

Guinea-Bissau

Travelers in Bissau and other urban centers should avoid all protests in May linked to a nationwide teachers’ strike. Strikes will take place on May 7-9 and May 14-16 to demand the payment of unpaid salaries and the revision of the teaching profession’s status. Previous similar protests in March were forcibly dispersed by security forces. All related gatherings should be avoided due to the risk of further unrest.

Malawi

Today, travelers in Lilongwe should anticipate traffic disruption around the city during an official two-day state visit by Tanzanian President John Magufuli. Some main roads will be closed temporarily during the visit, likely at short notice. Passengers transiting Lilongwe’s Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) should allow additional travel time, as there may be disruption around the facility during Magufuli’s departure.

Mali

On April 20, a UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA) convoy en route from Douentza to Boni struck a roadside mine, killing one peacekeeper and injuring four others. MINUSMA personnel subsequently killed one of the assailants and arrested several other suspects. The incident reflects the need to defer all travel to Gao, Kidal, Menaka, Taoudeni, Timbuktu, and Mopti.

Morocco

Travelers in Rabat and other urban centers should continue to anticipate and avoid further demonstrations in support of imprisoned members of the Al Hirak Al Shaabi (AHAS) activist group. A related sit-in protest tomorrow morning is due to take place outside the headquarters of the Moroccan Prison Service (DGAPR) in Rabat. The event was prompted by reports that the health of AHAS members on hunger strike was declining.

On Sunday, April 28, travelers in Rabat should anticipate and avoid rallies linked to a teachers’ strike, which has been ongoing since March. The strike is being held over contractual issues, working conditions, and salaries. A related rally yesterday at Parliament was forcibly dispersed by security forces with water cannons; future rallies may also take place at the Education Ministry. All related demonstrations are likely to be well attended.

Nigeria

Today, travelers in Maiduguri should expect heightened security and associated disruption due to a visit of President Muhammadu Buhari. The state government has declared the today a public holiday.

Oman

Today, passengers transiting Muscat International Airport (MCT) should reconfirm flights as operations have returned to normal following the earlier temporary closure of the airport’s only runway. The runway was closed when an aircraft suffered from a collapsed landing gear fault on landing. Residual disruption is likely as airlines and the airport work to clear the backlog of flights.

South Africa

Travelers in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Western Cape provinces should continue to plan journeys accounting for widespread disruption caused by heavy rainfall. Associated floods and mudslides have been reported in southern and eastern parts of the country, particularly in coastal locations between Durban and East London. The adverse weather has caused several roads to be inundated, as well as power outages. Rescue and restoration efforts are ongoing.

Uganda

Travelers in urban centers should anticipate and avoid further protests over the ongoing house arrest of opposition Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). Wine was briefly arrested while en route to his unauthorized concert in the Busabala area of Kampala on April 22. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse nearby crowds. Wine’s call for protests following his release on April 23 prompted authorities to place him under “preventative” house arrest. Yesterday, demonstrators blocked roads in the Kamwokya area of Kampala with burning tires; they were forcibly dispersed by security forces.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Australia

Today, travelers in Canberra, as well as all state and territory capitals, should expect road closures and heightened security during parades and military displays marking Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day. Additional police deployments should be expected around such events and in cities’ Central Business Districts. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries, allow additional time for journeys, remain alert to their surroundings, and leave an area at the first sign of suspicious activity.

New Zealand

Today, travelers in major cities, including Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, should expect road closures around Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day events. Although authorities have said that there is no specific threat to this year’s events, a heightened security posture should be expected nationwide following the March 15 Christchurch terrorist attack. Travelers should follow all official directives and allow additional time for journeys.

Sri Lanka

Heightened security measures remain in place across the country, particularly in Colombo, following the wave of fatal bombings on April 21. A State of Emergency continues to be in force to facilitate counter-terrorism operations. Travelers in Sri Lanka should remain vigilant and ensure heightened situational awareness.

Solomon Islands

Today, non-essential travel to Honiara should be deferred following unrest in parts of the city yesterday after Manasseh Sogavare’s re-election by Parliament as Prime Minister. A crowd gathered outside Parliament House to protest, and violence also occurred in Chinatown and near the Pacific Casino Hotel in the city’s Kukum district. Additional security forces have been deployed and have reportedly used tear gas to disperse protesters. Following the unrest, shops and government offices have closed ,and public transportation has been disrupted. Flights at Honiara International Airport (HIR) have been unaffected.

Turkey

Today, travelers in Gallipoli should anticipate heightened security and remain vigilant during annual Anzac Day commemoration events following a foiled terror plot. On April 22, authorities arrested a suspected member of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group they say was planning to attack the Dawn Service memorial being held today. A number of memorials were held yesterday; however, following the foiled terror plot, memorial sites were evacuated and searched for explosives by security forces. Travelers should remain alert to their surroundings.

EUROPE

Regional

Travelers in Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK should anticipate further protests in main cities by the Extinction Rebellion (XR) environmentalist activist group and plan journeys accordingly. While XR has said it would end its rallies in London today, a related demonstration on Saturday, April 27 is scheduled for 2:00 PM local time in Budapest. XR is calling for greater government action on climate change, including reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2025.

Albania

Travelers in Tirana and other urban centers should continue to anticipate and avoid further anti-government protests. The main opposition Democratic Party of Albania (DP) has recently held weekly demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over alleged government corruption. The next such event will take place in Tirana today. Participants have threatened to block main roads in the city during the gathering, which is expected to take place during the evening. A related national rally has also been called for the evening of May 11.

Kosovo

Tomorrow, travelers in Pristina should avoid a planned rally by the opposition party Vetevendosje to demand the resignation of Chief State Prosecutor Aleksander Lumezi. Participants will gather at 11:55 AM local time in front of the Supreme Court of Kosovo.

Russia

Today and tomorrow, travelers in Vladivostok and on Russky Island should anticipate heightened security and associated disruption during a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. A meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Kim will be held today at the Far Eastern University campus on Russky Island.

Ukraine

Yesterday, an anonymous bomb threat prompted the evacuation of Kiev International Airport (IEV). Disruption to flights is likely to continue today as police conduct investigations.

On April 22, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) announced that Volodymyr Zelenskiy defeated incumbent Petro Poroshenko in the second round of the Presidential Election. According to the CEC, Zelenskiy secured more than 73% of the vote. His inauguration is tentatively scheduled for May 28. There remains a potential for local demonstrations, despite Poroshenko conceding defeat. Travelers should avoid all gatherings as a precaution and anticipate significant disruption in Kiev during Zelenskiy’s inauguration.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

April 25
Argentina: Sixth Day of Passover
Australia: ANZAC Day
Cook Islands: ANZAC Day
Egypt: Sinai Liberation Day
Faroe Islands: National Flag Day
Israel: Pesach VI (Passover)
Iceland: First Day of Summer
Italy: Liberation Day
Italy: The Feast of St Mark
North Korea: Chosun People’s
Army Foundation Day

New Zealand: ANZAC Day
Portugal: Liberty Day
eSwatini: National Flag Day
Tonga: ANZAC Day

April 26
Good Friday (Orthodox)
Argentina: Seventh Day of
Passover
Belarus: Day of Remembrance of
the Chernobyl Tragedy
Colombia: Secretaries’ Day
Israel: Pesach VII (Last Day of
Passover)
Mongolia: Intellectual Property
Day
Tanzania: Union Day
United States: Arbor Day

April 27
Easter Saturday (Orthodox)
Argentina, Australia, Canada,
United Kingdom, United States:
Last Day of Passover
Aruba: King’s Day
Colombia: Children´s Day
Curacao: King’s Birthday
Moldova: State Flag Day
Malaysia: Birthday of the Sultan of
Terengganu
Netherlands: King’s Birthday
Slovenia: Day of Uprising Against
Occupation

Sierra Leone: Independence Day
Sint Maarten: King’s Day
Togo: Independence Day
South Africa: Freedom Day

April 28
Easter Sunday (Orthodox)
Afghanistan: Afghan Victory Day
Barbados: National Heroes Day
Gibraltar: Workers’ Memorial Day
Montenegro: Passover
Turkmenistan: Turkmen Racing
Horse Festival
Wallis and Futuna: St. Pierre
Chanel Day

April 29
Easter Monday (Orthodox)
Barbados: National Heroes Day
(Observed)
Colombia: Day of Trees
Gibraltar: Day off for Workers’
Memorial Day
Japan: Shōwa Day
Montenegro: Passover Holiday
Ukraine: Orthodox Easter Day
Holiday
United States: Confederate
Memorial Day
Vietnam: Liberation Day/
Reunification Day Holiday

April 30
Congo (DRC): Education Day
Cyprus: Orthodox Easter Tuesday
(Banks Only)
Japan: Coronation Day Holiday
Moldova: Orthodox Easter
Monday Holiday
Romania: Public Holiday
Sint Maarten: Carnival Day
Vietnam: Liberation Day/
Reunification Day

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