Government Forces Thwart Coup Attempt in DRC
North and Central America
On 17 May, the Department of State issued a worldwide alert advising U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution due to potential terrorist attacks or violence against LGBTQI+ individuals and related events. It also urged U.S. citizens overseas to remain vigilant in areas popular among tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ people, and to enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) for receiving information and alerts, as well as for easier emergency location tracking. For further information, click here.
On 14 May, at around 06:30 hours (local time), at least eight people were killed and 40 injured after a bus collided with a truck. The crash occurred on State Road 40, near Dunnellon. The bus, carrying 53 farmworkers, was travelling westbound when a Ford Ranger truck, heading eastbound, collided with it. The impact caused the bus to veer off the road, crash through a fence, and overturn, leading to fatalities and injuries. The driver of the pickup truck was arrested and charged with eight counts of driving under the influence of manslaughter.
South America?
On 22 May, the Central Unica dos Trabalhadores union will hold a demonstration in Brasília. At 08:00 hours (local time), the protestors will gather in the parking lot between the TV Tower and Funarte, followed by a march to the Esplanada dos Ministérios. The protest seeks to demand the revocation of several measures by former governments and the restoration of stronger protections for the workers, ensuring better working conditions and safeguarding labour rights. Hundreds of supporters may join the rally. Stay informed about potential protests and large gatherings in the area. Minimize safety risks by avoiding all demonstrations since they may become violent unexpectedly. Expect and prepare for delays due to traffic congestion. Plan alternate routes to avoid inconveniences. There may be an increased presence of police or security personnel.
Between 22 and 24 May, the health sector workers will hold nationwide strikes in clinics and sanatoriums to demand better salary conditions. On 20 and 21 May, demonstrations will be held as part of the strike. The strike schedule entails a suspension of activities for two hours per shift on 22 May, three hours per shift on 23 May, and four hours per shift on 24 May. Unless the strike is averted by negotiations, expect and prepare for disruptions in healthcare services. Travellers in the affected region are advised to ensure alternate health emergency services to minimize inconvenience. Consider consulting private practitioners or hospitals.
Europe
The Institute of Public Health has diagnosed two cases of Congo-Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever. One case was reported from the village of Gradec in the Kriva Palanka municipality, located in the Northeastern Region, and the other case occurred in Arachinovo in the Skopje Region. Both individuals had been in rural areas and had contact with ticks. The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is generally transmitted from cattle and sheep to humans by exposure to infected animal blood or by bites from infected ticks. Removal of ticks from animals using unprotected hands is often a source of infection. The infection can also spread from person to person through infected blood. The risk of exposure for most travellers is low. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid tick bites, especially when in contact with cattle or other livestock in areas where this virus is common.
On 13 May, authorities announced a 2-day closure of all campuses of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) following violent protests on the grounds. The campuses were closed on 14 and 15 May. Several pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up a tent encampment on the Roeterseiland campus to demand that the UvA, Vrije Universiteit, and Amsterdam University College cut ties with academic institutions in Israel. The protest remained peaceful until a group of masked outsiders instigated violence and chaos. To minimize safety risks, avoid areas of large public gatherings or protests. Even events intended to be peaceful can escalate unexpectedly and quickly become violent. Monitor local media for updates on potential protests and high-risk areas
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On 31 May, Border Force workers affiliated with the Public and Commercial Services union will begin a 3-day strike at Heathrow Airport in protest against a newly imposed roster. Over 500 officers working in the terminals will participate in the strike, which will last from 31 May to 2 June. Travellers should anticipate severe disruption and longer wait times during this period. Following the strike, there will be three weeks of action short of a strike. From 4 June to 25 June, workers will engage in a work-to-rule campaign and an overtime ban, potentially causing further delays and operational challenges at the airport.
If you are travelling to the UK through Heathrow Airport, check with your travel agent, tour operator, and airline to see if the proposed strike action will affect your journey. Longer wait times are likely at border control. Check the latest travel advice with operators before travelling, and consider using eGates to expedite your entry.
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Middle East and Asia Pacific
On 19 May, a grenade exploded during a prayer service at the Sto. Ni?o Chapel in Purok Bagong Silang, Cotabato. The chapel, located in Barangay Rosary Heights 3, was targeted by motorcycle-borne assailants. Two individuals sustained severe injuries in the explosion. Security officials are investigating the incident. An increased security presence may be expected in the area.
The European Centre for Disease Control has identified 12 cases of meningitis (W strain) in individuals returning from the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. These travellers originate from France, the UK, and the USA. None of them had received vaccinations against meningitis. Notably, the W strain of meningitis bacteria is associated with more severe symptoms. The risk of exposure varies depending on the destination, potentially being high in certain areas. Unvaccinated travellers participating in large-scale pilgrimages face a moderate risk. Prior to embarking on pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, travellers are advised to contemplate meningitis vaccination.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an advisory for all Singaporeans in or travelling to Malaysia. All travellers were urged to exercise extreme vigilance and prioritize their personal safety. The advisory was issued in the wake of an attack at Ulu Tiram Police Station (Johor) on 17 May, where two police officers died and one other was seriously injured. The attacker was suspected to be a member of the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Jemaah Islamiyah. From 18 May, security measures have been heightened at the Woodlands checkpoint. On 19 May, heavy traffic congestion was reported at the Woodlands Checkpoint.
It took nearly three to four hours to enter Singapore via the checkpoint. Some bus services were also delayed. Security checks remain ongoing, as of 20 May. Allow extra time for road travel due to the possible traffic congestion. The ICA advised motorists not to cut the queue at the checkpoints. Visit the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for more security-related changes and updates. Exercise increased caution while travelling to Johor, at this time. Expect and prepare for travel delays due to extensive security screening at all public places and transportation hubs. Report any suspicious activity to the concerned authorities immediately.?
The state of Kerala has reported the worst outbreak of the hepatitis A virus in recent years. So far this year, a total of 1,977 confirmed and 5,536 suspected cases have been diagnosed, with 12 confirmed and 15 suspected deaths due to this infection. The most affected areas include the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, and Ernakulam. Travellers should be aware that hepatitis A is preventable through vaccination. When there is a risk of exposure to the hepatitis A virus, travellers can basically eliminate this risk by obtaining the vaccine prior to travel, exercising caution, avoiding contaminated food and water, and having close personal contact (including sexual activities) with infected persons.
Africa
On 19 May, an attempted coup unfolded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), causing a wave of tension across the nation. The government forces swiftly intervened and successfully thwarted the coup. According to a spokesperson for the Congolese army, the attempt involved both foreign individuals and Congolese nationals. The spokesperson confirmed that the coup plotters, including their leader, have been neutralized. Despite the unsettling incident, the spokesperson reassured the population that order is being restored and urged them to resume their daily activities, emphasizing that the situation is under complete control. Many countries advise against non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to a volatile political and security environment. Avoid large gatherings, demonstrations, and areas with a significant military or police presence.
An outbreak of hepatitis E with nearly 2,100 suspected cases has been reported in the eastern Ouaddai province of Chad. The cases have been emerging from two health districts since the beginning of this year. The hepatitis E virus generally causes an infection with mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. It usually resolves in 4-6 weeks with no special treatment. This virus is transmitted mostly in crowded populations with contaminated water supplies and a lack of sanitation. Pregnant women suffer disproportionately high mortality rates from hepatitis E. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure by following strict water and food safety precautions.
Four people have died and three others are recovering after consuming a methanol-contaminated beverage called Quaris. The alcohol was available in the Médenine governorate. The consumption of clandestine alcohol is a high risk due to its frequent contamination with methanol during illegal distillation. Methanol is highly toxic. Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death. Travellers should only consume alcoholic beverages produced by well-known commercial companies.
Disclaimer: This newsletter and all of the information it contains are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The newsletter is a summary of travel and health-risk events in the world on a given date and is provided as a service to our customers or readers. Sitata Inc. and its affiliates and/or subsidiaries are not responsible for the accuracy of the reporting. The use of this information is at your own risk.??
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