As of 13:30, 18 October 2023:

Situation:

• Numerous deaths and injuries at a Gaza hospital overnight have led to protests and demonstrations across the Middle East and North Africa, some of them turning violent.

In Tunisia…

• Peaceful protests have been reported in nearly every major metropolitan area in Tunisia
• Some protestors have begun to gather at the US Embassy in Lac II
• Groups of student demonstrators were reported in Carthage
• Thousands have gathered in downtown Tunis near the French Embassy on Avenue Habib Bourghiba
• Limited confrontations with police have been noted. Instances of demonstrators throwing rocks and empty bottles at police were reported.
• The frustration of demonstrators remains directed at Western powers supporting Israel with particular focus on France and America
• The French flag was burned in downtown Tunis
• Protestors have called for the expulsion of the ambassadors of countries supporting Israel

Impact:

• Demonstrators are currently concentrated in downtown Tunis
• A smaller crowd at the US Embassy is growing
• If demonstrations shift toward the US Embassy in the Lac II area, large scale traffic disruptions can be expected along the N9 and throughout Tunis

Recommendations:

• Limit movements in major urban centers
• Avoid non-essential use of the N9 highway
• Consider proactively retrieving children from schools
• Avoid the downtown area of Tunis, including the French Embassy, Avenue Habib Bourghiba, Centreville, Bab Bhar, Lafayette, Belvedere
• Avoid the US Embassy
• Avoid crowds
• Follow the instructions of police
• Confirm communication plans and shelter-in-place plans
• Maintain awareness of the environment via reliable information channels

Additional questions or concerns. Contact our team.