LEGEND TRAVEL NEWS ALERT 08 MAY 2019 MAY 08, 2019

AMERICAS

Regional

Today, travelers in urban centers should anticipate disruption and book transportation in advance due to a planned strike by drivers of app-based ride-share service Uber. Countries where the industrial action will be observed include Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, and Uruguay. The strike is being held to demand improved wages and working conditions and coincides with the start of Uber’s initial public offering.

United States

Due to inclement weather, there is a traffic management program in effect for flights arriving to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This is causing some arriving flights to be delayed an average of 1 hour and 43 minutes. Travelers are advised to reconfirm flights and allow additional travel time.

Costa Rica

Today, travelers in urban centers, including San Jose, should avoid all protests planned by the UTC taxi operators’ union. Participants will be protesting government policies on the app-based ride-share service provider Uber. Taxi drivers intend to rally in San Jose at 8:30 AM local time at the Paso Ancho Roundabout and march to the Presidential Palace; the union has called for similar gatherings nationwide.

Guatemala

Today, travelers in Guatemala City should avoid a planned anti-government demonstration at the culmination of a “March of Dignity for Life and Justice.” Participants, who since May 1 have been traveling to Guatemala City from Quetzaltenango, are due to enter the city and proceed to Centro Civico and Plaza de la Constitucion. The march was staged to highlight various social issues, including alleged government actions targeting human rights workers, as well as corruption and violence against women and indigenous communities.

Mexico

On Friday, May 10, travelers in urban centers should avoid marches in memory of missing persons. In Mexico City, demonstrators plan to gather at 10:00 AM local time at the Estacionamiento Deprisa Monumento a la Madre before marching to the Angel de la Independencia. Other demonstrations are planned in major urban centers in the following states: Chiapas, Jalisco, Guerrero, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. According to local media, more than 40,000 people have been listed as missing persons in Mexico.

Venezuela

Tomorrow, travelers in Caracas and other urban centers should avoid demonstrations during a 24-hour strike by university professors and students over education funding and salary issues. Protesters are likely to gather near university campuses and common rally points; in Caracas, a student demonstration is planned at the Instituto Pedagogico de Caracas. Such events have the potential to result in clashes with security forces, posing incidental risks to bystanders.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Regional

Travelers should adopt enhanced precautions during travel to rural areas after fatal clashes between rival communities on the Kenya-Ethiopia border. Eleven Kenyans were killed, and two others injured on May 6 following a water dispute in the border town of Forole. The perpetrators, suspected to be from the Ethiopian side of Forole, reportedly deceived Kenyan residents into attending a reconciliation meeting before shooting them. Tensions are likely to remain high as rival communities attempt to access scarce resources amid an ongoing drought.

Cameroon

Non-essential travel to Northwest and Southwest regions, where an insurgency by Anglophone separatist groups continues, should be deferred. Four civilians were reportedly killed in crossfire between separatists and security forces in Wowo and Bambui on May 4 and 6; 17 militants were killed during clashes with security forces in Ndian department on May 5.

Congo (DRC)

Clashes between Mai Mai militia members and security forces are ongoing in Butembo. Today, gunfire has been heard around City Hall, the ITAV building, Vungi district, and Kimemi commune. Significant traffic disruption has been reported in the city center. Travelers should plan journeys avoiding the affected areas.

Israel

From Tuesday, May 14 through Saturday, May 18, travelers in Tel Aviv should anticipate heightened security around the Eurovision International Song Contest. The event will take place at Expo Tel Aviv amid heightened tensions following rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel on May 4-5. Disruptive protests by the “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions” (BDS) movement may occur near the event venue. Additional security measures can also be expected at transportation hubs throughout the city.

Kenya

Today, travelers in Nairobi should plan journeys bypassing Reinsurance Plaza during a planned protest at 9:00 AM local time over a controversial coal power project. The demonstration has been called to coincide with the National Environmental Tribunal’s scheduled ruling on whether to grant a license for the construction of the country’s first coal power plant, just north of Lamu. Travelers should plan routes bypassing the rally to minimize inconvenience.

Lebanon

Today, travelers in Mansourieh should avoid ongoing protests as a precaution. Protesters are attempting to stop government workers from installing overhead highvoltage cables, which they believe are harmful to health. Security forces have beaten up some of the protesters; there are emerging reports that live ammunition has been used.

South Africa

Today, South Africans will elect a new National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures; in turn, the National Assembly will elect the next President. Disruptive community and service delivery protests have increased in the lead-up to the vote and such gatherings are likely to continue today. Political gatherings, such as election rallies, can also be expected, but are unlikely to lead to unrest or disruption. All gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

South Sudan

Travelers in South Sudan should closely monitor developments and avoid potential gatherings following a six-month extension of the deadline for warring parties to form a transitional government. The power-sharing agreement signed in 2018 by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar stipulated the formation of a transitional government by Sunday, May 12; however, efforts to do so have been hampered by the inability to agree on conditions for a unified army and reports of ceasefire violations. Civil society groups are calling for nationwide protests on May 15-16; exact details remain unconfirmed

Tanzania

Travelers in Dar es Salaam and eastern coastal areas should plan journeys accounting for ongoing heavy rain and flooding. Yesterday, central areas of Dar es Salaam came to a standstill as flooding rendered some roads impassable. A section of the Morogoro Road was closed for nearly six hours, forcing the temporary suspension of public transportation. Meteorologists have forecast further adverse weather through Sunday, May 12 for Dar es Salaam and the Lindi, Mtwara, Pemba, Pwani and Tanga coastal regions, as well as Zanzibar.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Afghanistan

Today, travelers in Kabul should reconfirm the feasibility of movement following an explosion and gunfire in the Shahr-e Naw area. The Taliban has claimed the responsibility for the attack it said targeted the office of a US NGO; at least 9 people have been injured. Security forces have cordoned off the affected area, though sporadic gunfire is still being reported as the situation remains ongoing. This is the latest attack by the Taliban since its spring offensive began on April 12.

Kazakhstan

Tomorrow, travelers in urban centers should avoid planned anti-government demonstrations due to the risk of local unrest. The opposition Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) movement has called supporters to rally in public squares and parks to protest multiple political issues, including the renaming of the capital and the June 9 Presidential Elections. Veterans oppose the rallies, as they coincide with Victory Day. Additionally, the DVK is outlawed in the country; therefore, any related rallies are liable to result in unrest and be forcibly dispersed by security forces.

Pakistan

Today, travelers in Lahore should continue to avoid the Sufi Data Darbar Shrine following a suicide bomb attack in the area at around 8:45 AM local time. The explosion killed at least nine people, including five police officers, and injured 25 others. Heightened security should be expected at other places of worship and security force facilities in the city. Authorities suspect the target of the attack was a police van parked near the shrine. The shrine was the target of a similar attack in 2010 that killed around 50 people and injured 200 others.

South Korea

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

Turkey

Travelers in urban centers should continue to avoid all gatherings linked to the annulment of the March 31 Municipal Elections in Istanbul. The Supreme Electoral Council announced the decision on May 6, and new polls are tentatively scheduled for June 23. Travelers should expect a heightened security force presence around political party offices and public squares in major urban centers, particularly Istanbul and Ankara.

Tuvalu

Cases of dengue fever have been reported in Tuvalu. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and is present in both rural and urban areas. Dengue can cause a range of symptoms and has no particular treatment. Some people, especially those who have been infected before, get a more severe form that can lead to fatal complications. Although a vaccine is available in several locations, it is only recommended for people who have been infected with dengue in the past and are living or traveling in areas with high levels of dengue transmission. Travelers should prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.

EUROPE

Albania

Today and tomorrow, travelers should expect heightened security and disruption around the Brdo-Brijuni Regional Summit, to be held at the Palace of Congress in Tirana. The Albanian branch of Kosovo’s Vetevendosje movement is planning a protest at 6:00 PM local time today along the adjacent Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard, to oppose the attendance of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency member Milorad Dodik at the annual meeting of Western Balkan heads of state. Roads may be closed off around the summit venue and periodically across the city as VIP delegations travel to and from events.

France

Tomorrow, travelers in France should reconfirm flight schedules and avoid all protests linked to a nationwide strike by civil servants over proposed reforms. Several airports are expected to reduce their operations on the day, including Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS), Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The reduced flight program will result in delays and cancellations at affected airports. Additionally, a large rally will be held in Paris at Place Denfert-Rochereau at 2:00 PM local time.

Montenegro

Travelers in Podgorica should continue to anticipate and avoid anti-government demonstrations as a precaution. Protesters have gathered weekly, particularly on Saturdays, to denounce perceived poor governance and alleged corruption. They are also calling for the resignation of senior government and judicial officials, including President Milo Djukanovic, as well as fair elections. Hundreds of people demonstrated in front of Parliament yesterday. The next planned rally will coincide with Montenegro’s Independence Day on May 21. Other protest flashpoints include the Montenegro Radio Television (RTCG) building and Trg Nezavisnosti.

Ukraine

On Tuesday, May 14, travelers in Kiev should avoid a planned picket in front of the Cabinet Ministry building as a precaution. The demonstration is being organized by trade unions representing railway and construction workers to demand increased pay and guarantees of staffing levels. The time of the rally has not yet been announced. Travelers should plan routes bypassing the event to minimize inconvenience. Today and tomorrow, travelers in urban centers should avoid all events related to Victory Day, which commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in WWII, due to the potential for local disturbances. Travelers should anticipate heightened security, including road closures, especially around celebration areas. Disruption is particularly likely in “hero cities,” including Kiev and Odessa. Tomorrow, an “Immortal Legion of Ukraine” march in Kiev will begin at the Arsenalna Metro Station at 10:00 AM local time, while one by the “Victory Regiment” in Zaporizhzhia will start at Mayakovskogo Square at 9:30 AM local time.

On Friday, May 10, travelers in Odessa should avoid a planned rally in front of the Russian Consulate as a precaution. Participants will gather at 5:00 PM local time to mark five years since the arrest of Oleg Sentsov, the Ukrainian filmmaker serving a prison sentence in Russia, and to call for his release.

United Kingdom

Today through Monday, May 13, passengers transiting London Luton Airport (LTN) should anticipate disruption during a strike by security staff over working hours. Among those observing the industrial action will be personnel responsible for baggage checks and searches. The first phase of the work stoppage ended on May 5. The second phase will end at 8:59 AM local time on Monday, May 13.

Today, travelers in London and other urban centers should expect disruption to the app-based ride-share service Uber. Drivers plan to log off the application and stage protests from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM local time over unresolved pay issues. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has announced demonstrations in London, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Glasgow as part of a global day of action by Uber drivers. Travelers should plan journeys avoiding all protests and allow additional time for journeys

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

May 8
Armenia: Congress
St. Barts, French Guiana,
Martinique, New Caledonia,
French Polynesia, St Pierre &
Miquelon, Mayotte: Victory Day
Czech Republic: Victory in Europe
Day
France, Reunion: WWII Victory
Day
Israel: Yom HaZikaron (Memorial
Day)
South Korea: Parents’ Day
Norway: Day of Liberation
Slovakia: End of World War II
United States: Truman Day
South Africa: Election Day

May 9
Armenia: Victory and Peace Day
Australia, Canada, Israel, United
Kingdom, United States: Yom
HaAtzmaut
Azerbaijan: Victory Day over
Fascism
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Belarus,
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova,
Serbia, Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan: Victory Day
Guernsey, Jersey: Liberation Day
Luxembourg, Moldova, Kosovo:
Europe Day
Thailand: Royal Ploughing
Ceremony Day
Ukraine: Victory Day / Memorial
Day
Uzbekistan: Remembrance Day

May 10
Micronesia: Constitution Day
Guernsey: Liberation Day (only
Sark)
Kazakhstan: Victory Day Extra
Holiday
Moldova: Victory Day Holiday
Romania: Monarchy Day
Russia: Defender of the Fatherland
Day Holiday
El Salvador: Mothers’ Day
United States: Confederate
Memorial Day

May 12
Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda,
The Bahamas, Canada, Colombia,
Curaçao, Czech Republic,
Germany, Finland, Ghana,
Honduras, Iceland, Jamaica,
Cayman Islands, Sri Lanka, Latvia,
New Zealand, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Trinidad and Tobago, United
States, South Africa: Mother’s Day
Benin: Mother’s Day
Brazil: Mother’s Day
Botswana: Mother’s Day
Belarus: Day of the National
Emblem and Flag of Belarus
Congo: Mother’s Day
Cuba: Mother’s Day
Cabo Verde: Mother’s Day
Gabon: Mother’s Day
Grenada: Mother’s Day
Georgia: St Andrew’s Day
Hong Kong: Buddha’s Birthday
Hong Kong: Mother’s Day
Kenya: Mother’s Day
Cambodia: Mother’s Day
South Korea: Buddha’s Birthday
Macau: Buddha’s Birthday
Mauritius: Mother’s Day
Romania: Father’s Day
Chad: Mother’s Day
Tanzania: Mother’s Day
Ukraine: Mother’s Day
Uganda: Mother’s Day
US Virgin Islands: Mother’s Day
Zambia: Mother’s Day
Zimbabwe: Mother’s Day

May 13
Hong Kong: Day following
Buddha’s Birthday
Cambodia: King’s Birthday (Day 1)
Tuvalu: Gospel Day
Samoa: Mother’s Day

May 14
Cambodia: King’s Birthday (Day 2)
Liberia: National Unification Day
Malawi: Kamuzu Day
Paraguay: National Holiday

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