BENIN - Benin's political risk rating has increased from low to medium amid concerns of an increase in civil unrest and, possibly, political instability ahead of the country's presidential election in 2016.  Benin has achieved a degree of political stability under the regime of incumbent president, Thomas Boni Yayi, who has governed the country since success in the country's 2006 presidential election. Yayi won a second term in 2011 in elections that saw significant outbreaks of politically motivated unrest amid allegations that the electoral process was flawed and lacked transparency. Although the political situation stabilised following his eventual inauguration, political tensions are increasing in the lead up to the 2016 presidential election, amid suggestions that Yayi may attempt to amend the Beninese constitution and seek a third successive term in office, a move which could incite widespread and sustained unrest across the country. Apart from Yayi's alleged presidential ambitions, rising living costs, repression of Benin's opposition movements and ongoing trade union agitation are all factors which could adversely impact on Benin's short- to medium-term political outlook. Clients in Benin are advised to monitor local developments, refrain from discussing local politics and should avoid all protests, demonstrations and related gatherings.

CHAD(LAKE CHAD) - At least 19 militants and four security force members were killed amid two suspected Boko Haram attacks perpetrated in the Lake Chad area on 1 November. Militants reportedly launched a suicide attack on a military position near the village of Bamou in which 11 people were wounded. An additional military position near Kaiga Kinguirya was attacked by militants. Further information relating to these incidents remains unavailable. This latest incident is indicative of the extreme-risk travel environment which exists in Lake Chad, where the Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect continues to maintain a strong operational presence. The group has executed a number of attacks targeting both security and civilian interest in the past. The attacks have also been carried out in retaliation for the country's involvement in regional counterterrorism operations against the group. With military operations against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region anticipated to continue in the short-term, retaliatory attacks by the sect are also likely to continue. Clients are advised against all travel to the western Lac region due to the presence of Boko Haram militants and associated militant activity in the region. Persons in the region should implement robust travel, residential and personal security measures at all times.

YEMEN(SANAA) - Two foreign contractors were reportedly detained at the Sanaa International Airport in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on 20 October. The UN confirmed the detention in early November. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the two victims, who work for a company which manages a UN building in Sanaa, are US nationals. Further details regarding the incident are unavailable.  Sanaa is currently controlled by the Shiite militia, the Houthis. The group is strongly anti-Western and is involved in an ongoing battle against military forces loyal to the internationally recognised government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. The conflict has increased travel and operating risks for foreign nationals. The risk of extrajudicial detention, possibly politically motivated, and kidnapping for ransom or political purposes has also increased since late 2014. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons operating in the country should ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider. Persons intending to travel in the country should do so with a security escort and should reside in secure accommodation.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - The US Embassy in Bulgaria has issued a notice regarding a protest by activist group, Common Front, set to be held in the capital, Sofia on 4 November. Participants are expected to gather outside the embassy, located on Kozyak Street, between 15:00 to 18:00 local time. Further details regarding the demonstration are unavailable. Protests and demonstrations take place sporadically in Bulgaria, particularly in Sofia, and are typically prompted by domestic and/or political developments. Although the upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level incidents of unrest cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the embassy are anticipated. Persons in Sofia on 4 November are advised to avoid all large gatherings as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any potential travel disruptions.

HONDURAS - The National Popular Resistance Front (FNRP) has called for countrywide protests in Honduras on 4 November in opposition to the government of President Juan Orlando Hernandez Alvarado. The anticipated protests against the Alvarado regime are the latest in recent months. The opposition has cited corruption as one of the primary reasons they are demanding his resignation. Should protests occur, these are likely to be held in major cities such as the capital, Tegucigalpa, and San Pedro Sula. Protests are likely to centre on primary government buildings, public squares and main road routes. There is a risk of violence at all politically motivated protests in the country.  Persons operating in Honduras are advised to monitor local media for updates. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution.

MALDIVES(MALE) - Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) are expected to protest in the Maldives' capital, Male, on 6 November. The event has been organised to demand the release of former president, Mohamed Nasheed. The protest is likely to be accompanied by heightened security measures; precedent suggests that the rally will be well attended. Political tensions in the Maldives have escalated sharply following the trial and subsequent imprisonment of Nasheed in March 2015. Nasheed is the leader of the MDP, which is the largest opposition political party in the Maldives. Nasheed claims he resigned in 2012 after being coerced to do so by security force members loyal to the regime of former president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Although he was released under house arrest two months later, he was sent back to prison in late August. Nasheed's supporters assert that the charges brought against him were politically motivated. Precedent suggests that the threat of violence at all protests, especially those carrying an anti-government sentiment, is elevated. Security forces are likely to use heavy-handed tactics to disperse crowds and in dealing with dissent. Given the expected size of the protest, disruptions to travel in Male are expected. Clients in the Maldives, particularly in Male, on 6 November are advised to monitor local media closely for developments regarding the protest and should avoid all street protests as a precaution.

WESTERN SAHARA - Morocco will commemorate Green March Day on 6 November. The day commemorates the 1975 march of tens of thousands of Moroccans into Spanish controlled-Western Sahara to demand that Spain cede control of the territory to Morocco. Following the march, Spain ceded control of the territory and Morocco entered into a years-long conflict with the Polisario Front (PF), which represents the ethnic Sahrawi people. The head of state of Morocco, King Mohammed VI, is expected to attend commemorative events in Laayoune on 6 November. Security has reportedly been increased ahead of the king's arrival; the exact measures put in place are unclear. Despite the end of the conflict between Morocco and the PF in 1991, the status of the territory remains disputed. Anti-Morocco protests by supporters of Sahrawi independence from Morocco continue to impact on towns and cities across the Western Sahara. The Green March commemorations provide anti-Morocco groups with further opportunity to agitate. Protests, should they occur, could impact on areas near major government buildings or near official commemorative events. These could occur in cities and towns across the territory ahead of and on 6 November. Given the anticipated elevated security (patrols, checkpoints and travel restrictions, in places), it is likely that should any demonstration occur, these would be quashed quickly by the relevant authorities. Clients in the Western Sahara in the coming days are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Heightened vigilance is advised in the city of Laayoune on 6 November. The directives of the local authorities should be closely adhered to. In addition, due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)-administered territory, located east of the central sand berm, and against all non-essential travel to within 5km of the berm.