Hot Spots
4/10/2015
Contents
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Central African Republic

Mauritius

Nigeria

Sudan
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Afghanistan

Argentina

Qatar

Tanzania
Hot Spots Report
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Central African Republic (Security threat level - 5): Violence took place during an anti-United Nations
demonstration in the town of Kaga-Bandoro on 10 April 2015; Kaga-Bandoro is located approximately 220 mi/350 km
north of Bangui. Reports indicate that approximately 400 residents participated in the protest to express anger over
the U.N. peacekeeping mission's failure to prevent raids by ethnic Peuhl herders. The protesters attacked the U.N.
base and threw rocks at peacekeepers, who responded by firing tear gas and their weapons into the air. At least one
person was killed and several others were injured in the clashes. Reports indicate that this is the second anti-U.N.
protest to take place in Kaga-Bandoro in the past week.
Mauritius (Security threat level - 1): According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), as of 0600 UTC on
10 April 2015, Tropical Cyclone Joalane was located approximately 600 mi/960 km east of Port Louis, Mauritius, and
was moving in an east-southeasterly direction at 3.5 mph/3 kt. Joalane had maximum sustained winds of 86 mph/75
kt and gusts of up to 104 mph/90 kt. Mauritius Meteorological Services has implemented a Class 1 warning for the
island of Rodrigues; no warning is in place for the main island of Mauritius. The storm’s forecast path does not have it
making landfall in Rodrigues, but it will make its closest approach on 10 April. As a result of the adverse weather
conditions, Air Mauritius has canceled all of its flights to Rodrigues on 10 April.
Nigeria (Security threat level - 5): Nigeria will hold gubernatorial and state legislative elections on 11 April 2015.
Police officials will implement a nationwide restriction on vehicular movement on this day between 0800 and 1700
local time (0700 to 1600 UTC) in order to ensure security during the polling. Passengers arriving at the country’s
airports during this time period may find it difficult to leave the facilities until after the polls close. Additionally, delays
in arrival and departure times should be expected. As addressed previously, land and sea borders will remain closed
until after the elections.
Analyst Comment: Despite concerns over post-election violence, no significant unrest or violence occurred following
the 28 March presidential election. Nevertheless, tensions are currently heightened, and travelers and expatriates in
Nigeria should limit their movements on Election Day to avoid being collaterally affected by any violence as well as by
transportation disruptions that will likely occur as a result of the polling.
Sudan (Security threat level - 5): Sudan will hold presidential and legislative elections from 13 to 15 April 2015. The
Sudan Call coalition -- made up various opposition, armed movements and civil rights groups -- has pledged to
boycott the election and mobilize the population in order to disrupt the vote and oust President Omar al-Bashir’s
regime, which has been in place since 1989. The Sudan Call coalition was formed in December 2014 in an effort to
“dismantle the one-party state regime and to build a state of equal citizenship rights, through the daily mass struggle
and the popular uprising.” The agreement was signed by the National Consensus Forces (NCF), the Sudanese
Alliance Forces (SRF), the opposition National Umma Party (NUP) and the Alliance of the Sudanese Civil Society
Organisations.
Analyst Comment: International elections observers concluded that the previous elections in 2010 were neither free
nor fair, as they were marred by widespread reports of electoral fraud and voter intimidation. A similar outcome can
be expected in the upcoming elections. According to the U.S. Embassy, the government will probably impose
restrictions on activity and movement in Khartoum state; however, no details are available at present. There is
potential for unrest and violence on Election Day throughout the country. Travelers to any part of Sudan should avoid
polling stations and gatherings during this time in order to minimize the chances of being collaterally affected by
incidents of violence. The states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile should particularly be avoided, as the Sudan
People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N), which has battled government forces in these states since 2011, has
threatened to intensify its military campaign in order to disrupt the vote; in particular the SPLA-N advised citizens to
avoid military installations.
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Afghanistan (Security threat level - 5): On 10 April 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued a Security message,
which reads in part as follows: "The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan received the following information concerning an
imminent threat to U.S. citizens living in Afghanistan:
"As of early April 2015, militants planned to conduct an imminent attack using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive
device (VBIED) against unspecified foreign entities in Kabul City, Afghanistan. There was no further information
available on the timing, targets, methods, or perpetrators of any possible attack. The U.S. Embassy is taking this
threat seriously and is limiting movements throughout Kabul. ..."
Argentina (Security threat level - 2): On 9 April 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires issued the following
Security Message: “The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens living and traveling in Argentina of a demonstration
planned for Friday, April 10, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. near the U.S. Embassy. You should expect
disruptions in public transportation and traffic into and out of the demonstration area. The demonstration is expected
to focus only on the area surrounding the Embassy.
“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid
areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local
news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal
security and follow instructions of local authorities. …”
Qatar (Security threat level - 2): On 9 April 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Doha issued a Security Message, which
reads in part as follows: "On April 9, 2015, an individual assaulted a security guard at the U.S. Embassy. The
embassy guard received superficial injuries. The attacker has been taken into custody by Qatari authorities. While
there is no change to the overall security environment in Qatar, we use this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens of our
standing security guidance:
"It is always advisable to keep your security and situational awareness levels high.
"Avoid crowds or large gatherings when traveling in public;
"Know where you are going and have a plan of what to do in the event you encounter demonstrations or violence;
"Identify safe areas (for example police stations, hospitals, government buildings) in your area and know how to get to
them quickly;
"Tell co-workers or neighbors where you’re going and when you intend to return; minimize your profile while in public
"Always carry a cell phone and make sure you have emergency numbers pre-programmed into your phone including
the emergency number for the Police, Fire, and Rescue - 999;
"Be prepared to postpone or cancel activities for personal safety concerns;
"Report concerns you may have to the U.S. Embassy in Doha (+974-4496-6700)."
Tanzania (Security threat level - 3): On 10 April 2015, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued
updated travel advice for Tanzania, which includes the following: "A strike is affecting bus services (including
‘daladalas’ – shared minibus taxis) in Dar es Salaam and elsewhere across the country. There are also reports of
violence around the Ubongo bus terminal in Dar es Salaam. Take extra care in this area."