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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

UNITED KINGDOM/EGYPT(SHARM EL SHEIKH(THOMAS COOK TOUR OPERATOR)) - UK-based tour operator, Thomas Cook, has extended a suspension of all flights between the UK and Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt until 31 October 2016. The suspension was initially put in place until the end of May 2016. The initial suspension of flights was in light of security concerns following the crash of a Russian commercial aircraft over the Sinai Peninsula in October 2015, which was attributed to an explosive device on board. It is unclear why the operator has now extended the suspension until October. Persons who intended to travel with Thomas Cook to and from Sharm el Sheikh in 2016 are advised to contact their travel provider or the tour operator for further guidance and for travel alternatives.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES(ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - Flight disruptions have been reported at Abu Dhabi International Airport on 9 March due to inclement weather conditions. Persons flying to and from the affected airport on 9 March are advised to contact their travel provider, airline or the airport for an update on the status of their flight(s).

UNITED KINGDOM(MANCHESTER) - Uber taxi drivers are set to stage a demonstration in Manchester in the UK on 9 March. The demonstration has been called against the reduction of fare prices chargeable by Uber drivers. Participants are expected to gather along Redhill Street from 16:00 local time. While the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. The demonstration is expected to be well attended and result in disruptions to road travel in the vicinity of the demonstration-affected site. Persons in Manchester are advised to avoid all large street protests as a precaution. Travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of affected sites.

GERMANY(BERLIN) - Rival demonstrations by far-right and anti-fascist groups are expected in Germany's capital, Berlin, on 12 March. The demonstrations have been called with regard to a number of issues, particularly the country's stance on the ongoing European migrant crisis. Far right groups, including 'We for Berlin and We for Germany' (WfD), are set to stage an anti-government and anti-immigration demonstration at the Washingtonplatz, with participants gathering at the Central Station (Berlin Hauptbahnhof) from 15:00 local time, before proceeding to the aforementioned square. A counter-demonstration by anti-fascist groups will be held outside the Ostkreuz station from 13:30. Although the demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully, associated demonstrations have been marred by violent unrest, including clashes between participants and police. As such, the possibility of violence at the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. The events are expected to be well attended and accompanied by an increased police presence. Localised road travel disruptions are anticipated. Due to the ongoing European migrant crisis and increasing anti-government sentiment in the country, further associated demonstrations are expected to persist for the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in Berlin on 12 March are advised to avoid all large street protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised traffic disruptions in the vicinity of demonstration sites.

GREECE(ATHENS) - The Centre of Athens Labor Unions (EKA) and the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) have called on their members to observe a mass protest in Greece's capital, Athens, on 9 March against proposed pension reforms in the country. Participants are set to gather at the central Syntagma Square at 15:00 local time on the day. The event is likely to be well-attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration site. The upcoming demonstration is the latest in a series of anti-austerity and related protests that have been held in the country in recent months. Earlier, on 17 and 18 February, several unions launched an industrial action against the aforementioned reforms, which they assert will negatively affect civil servants. It should be noted that the EKA and GSEE have threatened to embark on 48-hour strike actions, should the reform bill be submitted to Parliament. Although the 9 March protest is expected to conclude peacefully, it should be noted that protest rallies in Greece carry a heightened threat of confrontation between participants and police. Consequently, the possibility of violent civil unrest during the demonstration cannot be discounted. As opposition to associated austerity policies is likely to persist, further protests should be expected in the near-term. Persons in Athens on 9 March are advised to avoid the upcoming protest and all related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates on the demonstration and any advisories from the local authorities. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of Syntagma Square.

TOGO - (Update) An ongoing meningitis outbreak in Togo has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 people as of 9 March. Further reports indicate that more than 800 people have been infected by the disease since January, with the cases recorded in the regions of Savanes, Centrale, Kara and Maritime. It should be noted that the Dankpen district in Kara remains the worst affected area to date. Both state- and non-governmental vaccination campaigns remain ongoing in order to curb the spread of the disease. Meningococcal meningitis is an extremely dangerous infection of the fluid and tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease is marked by the sudden onset of fever, intense headaches, a stiff neck, nausea and rashes. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light and an altered mental state. Meningitis is easily spread from person to person by exposure to infected secretions from the nose or throat. Clients currently in or intending to travel to Togo should ensure that they have been vaccinated against the disease. Local media should be monitored for updates on the spread of the disease as well as for advisories from the local authorities. Persons currently in the country who are exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms are advised to consult a medical practitioner immediately.

MARSHALL ISLANDS/GUAM - The National Weather Service in Guam has issued an adverse weather and flood warning ahead of an incoming storm on 9 March. The storm is anticipated to impact Guam and the Marshall Islands within the next 24 hours, resulting in gale-force winds, high tides and flooding on the islands. The weather warning is expected to remain in effect until 11 March at least. The Marshall Islands and Guam experience hot and humid weather, and tropical storms occasionally affect the islands. Many areas on the islands are located just one metre above sea level and are therefore susceptible to flooding during storms and high tides. Disruptions to air, maritime and road transport, as well as to utilities, including water, telecommunications and electricity, should be expected. Clients in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of the authorities. Persons are also advised to move away from low-lying areas, beaches and seafronts and stay indoors for the duration of the storm. In the event of flooding, clients are advised to avoid the affected areas until the floodwaters recede, infrastructure is repaired and basic utilities are restored.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(LUBERO TERRITORY, NORTH KIVU PROVINCE) - (Update) According to reports on 8 March, three aid workers who were kidnapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) eastern North Kivu province on 2 March have been released. The three local nationals, all employees of the international 'Save the Children' organisation, were abducted at approximately 15:30 local time after a group of heavily armed gunmen attacked their convoy in the province's Lubero territory. The circumstances surrounding their release are currently unclear, as are the identities of the kidnappers. The incident highlights the extreme-risk travel and operating environment in the DRC's North Kivu province, which is host to various armed groups and rebel forces. These entities regularly engage in acts of kidnapping, banditry and other acts of criminality. Both foreign nationals and locals are targeted by these groups. Given ongoing insecurity in the DRC's eastern regions, the threat of further abductions in North Kivu cannot be discounted. Clients are advised against all travel to the North Kivu provinces due to the ongoing threat posed by various armed groups and the persistent threat of conflict. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the region are advised to register their presence with their respective diplomatic representations, restrict movements to major urban centres, and ensure that robust travel, residential, and personal security measures are in place at all times.

TUNISIA(BEN GARDANE) - The authorities in Tunisia issued a statement on 8 March indicating that security forces had clashed with and killed five suspected militants in the Ben Gardane area on the day. During the operation, which focused on a residential property, weapons were seized and ten people were arrested. The security operation comes a day after militants and the security forces clashed in the town, leaving 55 people dead, including 36 militants, 12 security officials and seven civilians. Security operations in the town and the surrounding area are likely to continue over the near-term as the authorities seek to eliminate any remaining militant positions in the area and prevent further infiltration from Libya. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 50km of the shared border with Tunisia and all of the southern Tataouine governorate due to the risks of terrorism, conflict and crime. Persons operating in this area should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds or hotels.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE) - Several unions, including the ATE, CICOP, and AJB, are expected to launch a 24-hour strike across Argentina's Buenos Aires province on 9 March. The action has been called in response to several work-related grievances, including wage disputes and the recent dismissal of workers. The unions have also called for strike-related demonstrations on the day. Although details regarding these protest actions have not been disclosed, the capital, Buenos Aires, and the provincial capital, La Plata, are likely to be the focal points of any unrest. The aforementioned strike action and associated demonstrations are likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel and business disruptions are expected in affected areas on the day. Although the risk of significant acts of violence during any associated demonstrations is considered low, the possibility of minor confrontations cannot be discounted. Clients in Buenos Aires province on 9 March are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action and announcements of protest gathering sites. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Flexible itineraries should be maintained, in order to make allowances for possible travel and business disruptions on the day.

SOUTH AFRICA(BLOEMFONTEIN, FREE STATE PROVINCE) - Localised traffic disruptions are expected in Bloemfontein, the capital of South Africa's Free State province, on 9 March, due to a demonstration by members of the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU). The action has been called to protest against perceived corruption at the Motheo TVET College in the city, as well as to pressurise the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) into taking disciplinary action against the college's principal. Participants are set to gather at the Batho Community Hall from 09:00 local time, from where they intend to march towards the college's campus in the city's central business district. Although the upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, union-led protest actions in South Africa have previously become violent and/or disruptive with little to no warning. Such unrest poses an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Moreover, as the event is likely to be well-attended, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration route on the day. Persons in Bloemfontein on 9 March are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and any related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of any demonstration sites on the day.

SENEGAL - Workers in the education sector have called for a countrywide 72-hour strike from 9 March in Senegal, and a rally on 11 March at the Place de l'Obelisque in the capital, Dakar. The agitation is being led due to delays in the implementation of past agreements with the government. The strike is likely to severely impact the education sector. Related protests are also expected to be well-attended. In addition to the anticipated rally in Dakar, protests are also possible during the strike on 9 and 10 March, and in locations countrywide. Likely gathering points are education-related facilities, including universities and government ministries. Localised road travel disruptions and minor confrontations between protesters and police remain a potential risk. Clients in the country, particularly those working with or near education facilities, should monitor local developments closely and avoid all street protests as a precaution.

BELARUS/UKRAINE - Activists are set to stage a number of protests in the urban centres of Ukraine and Belarus on 9 March. The demonstrations have been called against the arrest of Ukrainian former politician and pilot Nadiya Savchenko. Main events will be held in the vicinity of Russian consulate buildings: in Kiev, the demonstration will be held along Povitroflotskyi Avenue street, and associated demonstrations are expected in Lviv and Kharkiv. In Belarus, protesters are expected to gather in Minsk, along Starovilenskaya street. Further details regarding the demonstrations are currently unavailable. The protests form a part of the ongoing protest campaign, dubbed Hope Savchenko, with a number of protests having been held in recent weeks. The majority of associated events have concluded peacefully; however, recent protests in Kiev on 6 March were characterised by low-level incidents of violence. As such, the possibility of the upcoming demonstrations being marred by similar incidents cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites. Persons in Ukraine and Belarus are advised to exercise caution in the vicinity of Russian consulate buildings. Clients are also advised to monitor local media regarding associated protest action. All large street protests should be avoided as a precaution.

MEXICO(ZACATECAS, ZACATECAS STATE) - Students affiliated with the Zacatecan United Students Front (FEZU) are expected to stage a protest in Zacatecas city, located in Mexico's eponymous state, on 9 March. The action has been called to demand the payment of an estimated 10,000 outstanding scholarships in the state. Participants are set to march towards the Zacatecan State Congress on the day; however, the exact starting time of the march has not been disclosed. The aforementioned demonstration is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the protest route. Moreover, although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, there is a possibility of low-level violence at all protest gatherings in Mexico. Such unrest poses an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in Zacatecas on 9 March are advised to avoid the demonstration and all related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest action and for advisories from the local authorities. Clients are further advised to anticipate localised traffic disruptions in the vicinity of the protest march on the day.

LEBANON(BEIRUT) - The You Stink activist group has called for a protest in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, on 12 March from 16:00 local time. Demonstrators are expected to march from Sassine Square in Ashrafieh to Riad el Solh Square. The protest has been called to denounce the government's failure to address an ongoing waste management crisis. Recent protests by the group have been poorly attended; however, there are indications that the forthcoming gathering may have a higher turnout than recent events. The possibility of road travel disruptions along the course of the protest route is considered high. Low-level confrontations between police and protesters, which have been reported at past related events, remain an ongoing risk. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Lebanon, including Beirut. Clients in Beirut on 12 March should exercise caution near the affected protest site(s). All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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