Welcome to Looking Forward, our selection of global events scheduled to happen this week.
Africa
Democratic Republic of Congo | State of Siege extended in Ituri and North Kivu till August 15
From August 1 to 15, the State of Siege has been extended in Ituri and North Kivu. The decision comes amid increasing security issues in the two provinces.
Guinea | FNDC to stage nationwide demonstration on August 4
On August 4, the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) will stage a nationwide demonstration against the junta.
Mali | SoE to be extended in Diffa and departments of Tahoua and Tillabéri regions from August 3
From August 3, a State of Emergency (SoE) due to persistent militant attacks will be extended for a period of 3 months in the entire Diffa region, in the departments of Tassara and Tillia, in the Tahoua region, and in the departments of Ouallam, Ayourou, Bankilaré, Abala, Banibangou, Say, Torodi, Téra, Tillabéri, and Gothèye, in the Tillabéri region.
Mali | Union section of tax workers to go on a nationwide strike from August 1 to 3
From August 1 to 3, the union section of tax workers will begin a 72-hour strike. The notice filed on July 14 with the Minister of Labor, has several points of demand including the reconstruction or construction of several tax departments whose buildings are in an advanced state of disrepair. The workers are demanding a better working environment.
South Africa | COSATU calls for a strike against rising crime rates in Cape Town, Western Cape on August 4
On August 4, COSATU calls for a strike against rising crime rates in Cape Town, Western Cape. The Unions affiliated to the Confederation of SA Trade Unions (COSATU) are calling members to take part in a protected strike of around 3000 members.
Still ongoing
Kenya | Domestic flight operations to be stopped for 6 hours on July 28 and August 5, due to a military event, at Wilson airport (WIL) in Nairobi
Kenya | Night curfew extended in parts of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties until August 7
Kenya | Night curfew extended in Marsabit till August 14
South Africa | State of disaster, due to severe weather events, extended until August 18 in KwaZulu-Natal
Americas
Argentina | La Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina (CTA) expected to protest in Buenos Aires on August 7
On August 7, La Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina (CTA) are expected to protest in Buenos Aires. The protest will take place in the Plaza de Mayo. The demonstration is staged to demand economic and social improvements.
Cayman Islands (United Kingdom) – Jamaica | Cayman Airways Limited to resume flights between Grand Cayman (GCM) and Montego Bay (MBJ) from August 4
From August 4, Cayman Airways Limited will resume flights between Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) and Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Flights will be operated every Thursday of the week.
Chile | Easter Island will reopen for tourists from August 1
On August 1, Chile’s government announced that the ancient stone heads of Easter Island will be opened for visitors after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has also set a precondition: the local COVID-19 vaccination rate must reach 80% (currently 73%). The number of flights to the island will increase to two or three per week.
Colombia – Venezuela | To reestablish diplomatic relations on August 7
On July 28, Colombian President-elect Gustavo Petro and Venezuelan Maduro’s regime will reestablish diplomatic relations on August 7. The announcement was made through a meeting in Tachira, Táchira, between the minister of foreign affairs of the Maduro regime, Carlos Faria, and the upcoming Colombian minister of foreign affairs, Alvaro Leyva. Left-leaning President Petro’s inauguration is scheduled for August 7.
Peru | COVID-19 state of emergency extended until August 28
From August 1, the COVID-19 state of emergency will be extended for another 28 days due to rising COVID cases. It will end on August 28 unless renewed.
Saint Kitts and Nevis | General elections to be held on August 5
On August 5, Saint Kitts and Nevis will hold voting for the general election. The elections will be contested by the People’s Labour Party (PLP), the People’s Action Movement (PAM), the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), and the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP).
United States | Workers’ union at 3 Boeing Co. defense locations in Missouri and Illinois planning to go on strike from August 1
From August 1, a workers’ union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837, which represents around 2,500 employees at 3 Boeing Co. defense locations in St. Louis, Missouri and St. Charles and Mascoutah, Illinois are planning to go on a strike. The strike action was announced after the union rejected the company’s contract offer. The involved employees work at the 3 Boeing plants that manufacture F-15, F-18, T-7A trainer, and the MQ-25 unmanned refueler aircraft.
Still ongoing
Argentina | General José de San Martín Airport (PSS) in Posadas, Misiones, to be closed due to maintenance works, from June 15 to September 15
Canada | Extension of current COVID-19 public health measures for travellers entering Canada until at least September 30
El Salvador | Government extends state of emergency for the 4th time starting till August 23
United States | RIMPAC international maritime exercise scheduled from June 29 to August 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California
Asia Pacific
Indonesia – United States | Garuda Shield military exercise to be held from August 1 to 25
From August 1 to 25, the “Garuda Shield” military exercise is scheduled to take place with 14 countries including Indonesia and the US in Singkep, Sumatra, and Kalimantan.
Bangladesh | Protest by BNP across the country on August 1 and 2
On August 1 and 2, BNP will hold protests across the country in response to clashes in Bhola during a protest on July 31. The protest on August 1 will start in all the district headquarters.
Bangladesh – China | Chinese Foreign Minister to visit Bangladesh, on August 6 and 7
On August 6 and 7, China’s Foreign Minister will visit Bangladesh. The purpose of the visit is to further strengthen China-Bangladesh relations and discuss regional and global issues.
Bangladesh – India | Airline to add additional daily flights for Dhaka (DAC) – Kolkata (CCU) route, starting August 4
On August 4, an airline will add an additional daily flight for the Dhaka (DAC) – Kolkata (CCU) route. The flight schedule presently takes off from Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka at 10:00 am local time and returns from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata, West Bengal at 12:55 pm. The additional flight is expected to take off at 6:30 pm and return at 7:35 pm as a response to increased demand from passengers.
Brunei | Land and sea borders expected to be fully opened over COVID-19 situation from August 1
From August 1, land and sea borders are expected to be fully opened regarding the COVID-19 situation. There will no longer be any requirements to obtain Entry Travel Passes from this date.
China | Military exercise to be held in South China Sea on August 2 and 3
From August 2 to August 3, a Chinese military exercise is scheduled to take place in the western waters of the Leizhou Peninsula in the South China Sea from 02:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. It will be forbidden for ships to enter the area of operations.
India | Workers to go on strike in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, on August 1
On August 1, workers announced a strike in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Micro and small units, representatives of the MSME that support manufacturing products for larger enterprises, will go on an indefinite strike if demands are not met for fair prices from larger industries
India | Rickshaw Taxi Federation to go indefinite strike in 5 districts of Maharashtra from August 1
On August 1, the Konkan Division Rickshaw Taxi Federation will go on an indefinite strike. Drivers from Thane, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Palghar districts will participate in this strike. Taxi strikers are demanding pending fare hikes, a halt in the allotment of licenses, establishing a corporation for rickshaw operators, and providing facilities on the lines of Mathadi workers.
India – Oman | Omani-Indian military exercise to be conducted in Bikaner, Rajasthan on August 1-14
On August 1-14, the Omani Army will participate in a joint Omani-Indian military exercise in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The exercise will take place at the Foreign Training Node of Mahajan Field Firing Ranges.
India | Congress to hold nationwide protest on August 5
On August 5, Congress will hold a nationwide protest over price rise and unemployment. The members of the parliament will reportedly hold a ‘Chalo Rashtrapati Bhavan’ march from the Parliament to Rashtrapati Bhavan to demonstrate against the issues.
India | Vice Presidential election to be held on August 6
On August 6, India will hold its Vice Presidential elections. This will be the 16th Vice Presidential election in the country.
India | Akasa Air to launch flight services in August
On August 7, a new airline, Akasa Air, will launch its flight services between Mumbai, Maharashtra and Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The airline will operate 28 weekly flights on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. Similarly, on August 13, the airline will launch 28 weekly flight services between Bengaluru, Karnataka and Kochi, Kerala.
Japan | FoE to stage protest against continuing ODA projects by Japan in Myanmar in Tokyo on August 1
On August 1, the Friends of the Earth (FoE) group will stage a protest against the continuation of Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects by Japan in Myanmar in Tokyo. The protest will be staged from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm local time outside the Prime Minister’s Office.
Maldives – India | Maldives President to pay a visit to India from August 1-4
From August 1-4, the Maldives President will pay a visit to India. President Solih will be accompanied by high-level officials and a business delegation. Besides official engagements in New Delhi, President Solih will be holding discussions with an Indian business delegation in Delhi, and a visit to Mumbai to participate in business events is also expected.
Pakistan | Public transportation workers stage nationwide strike on August 2
On August 2, public transportation workers will stage a nationwide strike. The protest comes after an increase in toll taxes and diesel prices. Transportation laborers have demanded a reduction in diesel prices, the removal of illegal additional toll plazas, increases in toll taxes, and to meet the demands before the August 2 deadline.
Pakistan | Authorities to deploy civil armed forces throughout country for Muharram, on August 7
On August 7, the Pakistani government is set to deploy civil armed forces throughout the country for Muharram. The precautionary measure is to ensure peace during the congregations and processions. Authorities announced that religious hatred and incitement would not be accepted and directed law enforcement to take strict action against any violations.
Samoa | Resumption of travel to the country for international travellers from August 1
From August 1, travel to Samoa for international travellers will resume. The travellers will require a vaccine certificate and have a negative PCR test result from 48 hours before their trip or a supervised negative RAT test within 24 hours of arrival.
Thailand | Commercial flights to resume from August 2 at Nakhon Ratchasima Airport (NAK)
On August 2, commercial flight operations will resume at Nakhon Ratchasima Airport (NAK). Nok Air will operate 2 return flights a week between Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. The airline also plans to operate flights between Nakhon Ratchasima and Hat Yai and Phuket.
Tonga | Government to reopen borders from August 1
On August 1, Tonga will reopen its borders. Arriving travellers will be required to carry COVID-19 vaccination certificates and a negative rapid antigen test result.
Still ongoing
Bangladesh | Biman Bangladesh Airlines cancels all flights between Saidpur and Cox’s Bazar from June 13 to August 4
China | Military exercise to be held in southern Yellow Sea from July 28 to August 5
India | Restrictions imposed on public gatherings due to rising crime in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka till August 6
Japan | COVID-19 restrictions to be implemented in Okinawa, from July 22 to August 14
Nepal | Government extends import ban on 10 types of goods (e.g. mobile phones, liquor, tobacco, diamonds, television etc.) until August 30
Pakistan | Continued power restrictions until August 16 applied to Karachi, Sindhs
Pakistan | US Embassy issues security alert during Ashura in Pakistan (till August 9)
Thailand | Emergency decree due to security situation extended in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat till September 19
Thailand | State of emergency due to COVID-19 extended till September 30
Europe
Belarus – Russia | Flights to run from Minsk (MSQ) to St. Petersburg (LED), starting August 7
On August 7, Belarusian airline Belavia will begin flights from Minsk Airport (MSQ) to St. Petersburg (LED). The flights will run every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Belgium | Traffic disruption on bus line 13, N16 and 58 in Brussels
From August 1 to 26, there will be traffic disruption in Brussels. Bus line 13 will not run between the Simonis and Étangs Noirs stops, N16 bus line will be diverted and line 58 will change its terminus, due to works on Rue de l’Eglise Sainte-Anne and on the bicycle path.
France | Maintenance work to disrupt rail traffic, every weekend in August, at Lille-Flandres station in Lille, Hauts-de-France
Between August 6 and 28, maintenance work will disrupt rail traffic, on every weekend, at Lille-Flandres station in Lille, Hauts-de-France. Traffic from Calais, Dunkirk or Hazebrouck will be interrupted at Armentieres station or transferred to Lille-Europe station. Other regional trains will be diverted to Roubaix station. The dates and times for the disruption are as follows:
– 9:30 pm local time on August 6 to 11:30 am on August 7
– 10:30 pm on August 12 to 2:30 pm on August 15
– 9:30 pm on August 20 to 11:30 am on August 21
– 9:30 pm on August 27 to 11:30 am on August 28
France | Traffic movement to be disrupted between August 1 and 19, due to maintenance work, on A11 motorway and ring road in Nantes, Pays de la Loire
Between August 1 and 19, traffic movement will be disrupted, due to maintenance work, on the A11 motorway and ring road in Nantes, Pays de la Loire. The following road closures will be in effect from 8:30 pm to 5:30 am local time on August 1, 2, 17, and 18:
– Eastern ring road between Porte de La Chapelle and Porte de Gesvres in both directions
– Ramp at the Porte de Gesvres interchange for traffic from the northern ring road and traveling in the direction of Beaujoire
– Ramp at the Porte de Gesvres interchange for traffic from Paris and traveling in the direction of Beaujoire (closed 24 hours from July 11 to August 18).
Additionally, from August 1-19, the entrance ramp to the ring road at Porte de La Chapelle will be closed.
Germany – Russia | German government to stop buying Russian coal from August 1 and Russian oil from December 31
On July 12, the German state secretary for financial market policy and European policy, Jorg Kukies, stated that the German government plans to stop buying Russian coal from August 1 and Russian oil from December 31. Russia has previously contributed 40 per cent of Germany’s coal and 40 per cent of its oil supplies.
Italy | Wartsila employees across the country to stage 8-hour strike on August 4
On August 4, Wartsila employees, associated with Cgil, Fim Cisl, and Uilm unions, will stage an 8-hour strike at all the company sites in the country including Trieste, Genoa, Naples, and Taranto. The strike action is being organised to protest the closure of the Trieste site and potential laying off of workers.
Ireland | Electric Ireland to increase gas and electricity prices on August 1
On August 1, Electric Ireland is raising electricity and gas prices. Electric bills are expected to rise to 10.9% and gas bills by 29.2%. Around 1.2 million households are expected to be impacted by the raise in prices, with the company blaming the situation in Eastern Europe and the reduction in reliability of gas flows.
Ireland | Climate activists to protest, on August 2-7, near Tarbert, Kerry
From August 2 to 7, climate activists will hold protests near Tarbert, Kerry. The protest will occur near the Saleen Pier and will be attended by activists from across Ireland. The protest is being organised by Climate Camp Ireland, against the Shannon LNG company.
Kyrgyzstan | Cobalt-2022 military exercise to be held in Kyrgyzstan on August 2-5
On August 2-5, the Cobalt-2022 military exercise will be held in Kyrgyzstan. A special tactical exercise will be held with the formations of special forces that are part of the Collective Rapid Reaction Forces of the CSTO.
Kyrgyzstan | Jalal-Abad (JBD) and Batkenskiy (UAFB) airports to be closed from August 1 to November 1
From August 1 to November 1, Jalal-Abad (JBD) and Batkenskiy (UAFB) airports will be closed. This is due to the repair and restoration work of the airfield.
Latvia – Russia | Latvia to suspend the agreement with Russia to facilitate mutual travel in border areas from August 1
From August 1, Latvia will suspend the agreement with Russia to facilitate mutual travel for residents in border areas. This comes after Gazprom announced the suspension of gas supply to Russia.
Moldova | New increased security measures to be enforced at Chisinau International Airport (KIV) from August 1
From August 1, new increased security measures will be enforced at Chisinau International Airport (KIV). Only staff members and passengers will be allowed to enter the airport. It comes following several recent bomb threats at the airport.
Portugal | Section of civil aviation workers announce strike action over pay dispute, from August 3 to October 3, at Santa Maria Airport (SMA), Azores
From August 3 to October 3, a section of civil aviation workers in the OPS (relief operations officers) category has announced strike action at Santa Maria Airport (SMA), Azores. The strike has been organised by the SINTAC union over pay disputes and the issue of staff shortages.
Portugal | Urban transport workers’ union to stage a strike, from August 1 to 7, in Coimbra, Centro
From August 1 to 7, urban transport workers from the SNMOT union will stage a strike in Coimbra, Centro. The strike action is being organised due to a dispute over working hours.
Portugal | Severe railway disruptions to be expected due to strike action by Infraestruturas de Portugal workers on August 1, 3 and 5
On August 1, 3 and 5, severe railway disruptions are to be expected due to strike action by Infraestruturas de Portugal workers. Minimum services have been planned on these days.
Portugal | National Union of Registries to hold strikes on 9 days in August, demonstration planned on August 1 in Lisbon
On August 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, and 29, the National Union of Registries will go on strike across Portugal. The strike is being organised to protest a “degradation in working conditions”. On August 1, a demonstration is planned at the Insituto dos Registos e Notariado in Lisbon.
Romania | Aurel Vlaicu Băneasa Airport (BBU) to reopen on August 1
On August 1, Aurel Vlaicu Băneasa Airport (BBU) will reopen. The airport was previously closed for 9 years. Ryanair, Air Connect, and Fly One flights will be operated at the airport.
Romania | Alro to suspend Tulcea based alumina production on August 1, due to prohibitive energy prices
On July 21, Romanian aluminum producer Alro announced it would temporarily suspend its alumina plant in Tulcea, Tulcea County due to prohibitive energy prices. The suspension would start on August 1 with it lasting for 17 months. “The natural gas cost per one ton of alumina is significantly higher than the actual price of one ton of alumina imported and delivered to Alro” stated Gheorghe Dobra, CEO of Alto and chairman of the board of directors of Alum.
Russia – Turkey | Erdogan and Putin to meet in Sochi on August 5
On August 5, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Krasnodar Krai. They will discuss the current wheat agreement that was signed to allow for Ukrainian wheat to finally be exported.
Sweden | Pride parade to be held in Stockholm on August 6
On August 6, the pride parade will be held in Stockholm. The parade will start at 3:00 pm local time in Norr Mälarstrand.
United Kingdom | Waste management workers planning to go on strike, from August 1-19, in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath, England
From August 1-19, waste management workers, from the GMB union, are planning to go on strike in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath, England. During the strike, no kerbside waste collection will occur in the area. The strike action is being organised over a pay dispute.
United Kingdom | Traffic restrictions due to pride parade in Bolton, England on August 6
On August 6, traffic will be restricted due to pride parade in Bolton, England. Traffic restrictions will be effective between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm local time. The following roads will be closed:
– Spa Road from Walker Street to White Lion Brow;
– White Lion Brow from Spa Road to Deansgate;
– Deansgate from White Lion Brow to Oxford Street.
United Kingdom | Glasgow subway workers to go on strike on August 6, 9, 13 and 27
On August 6, 9, 13 and 27, Glasgow subway workers belonging to the Unite union have planned to go on strike. The strike is due to a dispute with Subway operator Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) over changes to duty schedules. The strike will be held for 24 hours on each day.
Uzbekistan – Japan | Uzbekistan Airways to resume regular flights from Tashkent (TAS) to Tokyo (HND) from August 4
From August 4, Uzbekistan Airways will resume regular flights from Tashkent (TAS) to Tokyo (HND). The flights on this route will be operated once a week on Thursdays.
Still ongoing
Germany | Brandenburg State Government extends COVID-19 guidelines until August 16
Hungary | Constructions on the Southern Railway Bridge to cause service disruptions, from July 10 to August 18
Kazakhstan – Russia | Russia closes the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal for 30 days (till 6 August)
Kazakhstan | Restrictions on grain, wheat, and flour exports from July 8 until September 30
Italy | Ban on non-hygienic/domestic water use in Lucca, Tuscany due to drought, until September 30
Luxembourg | Traffic disruptions between Bettembourg and Luxembourg city from July 16 to August 7
Moldova | State of emergency extended until August 8
Moldova | Yellow level of terrorist threat extended in Transnistria until August 7
Netherlands | Traffic disruptions likely due to road closures, from July 22-August 3, in Amsterdam
Poland – Ukraine | Passenger vehicles not allowed to cross through the Korczowa-Krakovets border between July 18 and August 1
Portugal | Authorities extend COVID-19 alert until August 31
Russia | Yellow level terrorism threat extended in the Kursk region until August 8
Spain | Repsol workers’ unions to stage strikes on July 15-17 and August 13-15
United Kingdom | Traffic movement likely to be affected on M6, M5, A34, and A38 from July 28 to August 8, due to Commonwealth Games, in Birmingham, England
Ukraine | Curfew extended in Kyiv Oblast until August 7
Uzbekistan | Month-long State of Emergency declared in Karakalpakstan (till 2 August)
Middle-East & North Africa
Israel – Jordan | Wadi Araba crossing between Aqaba and Eilat to operate at full capacity from August 1
From August 1, the Wadi Araba crossing between Aqaba, Jordan, and Eilat, Israel, will operate at full capacity. According to the Aqaba Authority Tourism Commissioner Nidal Majali, the reopening will facilitate access to Aqaba and Wadi Rum.
Israel | International flights from Ramon Airport (ETM) to start in August
On July 26, the Israel Airports Authority announced that international flights from Ramon Airport (ETM) will start in August. Arkia Airlines will operate two weekly flights from the airport to Georgia and Cyprus. An exact date has yet to be announced.
Lebanon | Air traffic controllers threaten to stop working night shifts from August 1
From August 1, Lebanese air traffic controllers have threatened to stop working night shifts. The interruption of services will last from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time. The decision was taken in protest of the category’s difficult working conditions.
Morocco | Air traffic controller strike announced from August 3 at some airports
From August 3-18, a strike of the air traffic controllers was announced at several Moroccan airports. The strikes will start at 2 pm local time at the airports of Agadir-Al-Masira (AGA), Ouarzazate (OZZ), Zagora (OZG), and Tantan (TTA). The strike is subject to extension and is expected to cause significant disruptions.
Oman – Turkey | Oman Air to operate 3 weekly flights connecting Muscat (MCT) and Trabzon (TZX) airports, starting August 2
From August 2, Oman Air will operate 3 weekly flights connecting Muscat International Airport (MCT) and Trabzon Airport (TZX). The flights will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
– On Tuesdays, departure from Muscat at 09:50 a.m., arrival in Trabzon at 1:00 p.m. local time; departure from Trabzon at 2:00 p.m.; arrival in Muscat at 7:05 p.m. local time;
– On Thursdays and Saturdays, departure from Muscat at 08:30 a.m., arrival in Trabzon at 11:40 a.m. local time; departure from Trabzon at 12:40 p.m., arrival in Muscat at 5:45 p.m. local time.
Turkey | HDP party members call for protest rally, on August 6, in Diyarbakir, Diyarbakir
On August 6, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) members have called for a protest rally, against the AKP-led government, in Diyarbakir, Diyarbakir. The protest will be staged at Istasyon Square.
Still ongoing
Egypt | Authorities ban local private sale of wheat, until end of August
Lebanon | Employees of Électricité du Liban strike to be held on July 28-August 2
Morocco | Part of the Casatramway line T1 will be temporarily stopped from July 24 to August 13 in Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat Region