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Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 35

Headlines From This Week

  • Hurricane Harvey – At least 37 deaths related to Hurricane Harvey have been reported in southeastern Texas, after the Category Four hurricane made landfall on 25 August. Many areas faced more than a metre of rain and winds of 240 km/h were also recorded. Harvey has caused widespread flooding, most notably in the city of Houston. Other countries impacted by the hurricane include Guyana (where one person was killed), Barbados, Suriname, Nicaragua, and Belize.
  • Rohingya Clashes – Over the past week, an estimated 400 people have been killed in fighting in Myanmar’s northwest Rakhine state, after clashes between Rohingya Muslim insurgents, the military, and vigilantes. Many of the dead are civilians, with the Myanmar military facing international condemnation for atrocities committed. Close to 38,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled their villages and sought refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh according to the United Nations.
  • North Korea Missile Launch – North Korea initiated its 18th missile launch of the year. What makes this launch of particular importance is that it flew over Japan’s Hokkaido island before crashing into the sea. Japan warned its citizens to take shelter in a sturdy building or basement. Pyeongyang has vowed more tests.
  • Kenya Presidential Election Cancelled – Kenya’s Supreme Court has annulled the recent presidential election and ordered a new one to take place within 60 days, citing irregularities. This is a surprising move and comes despite international observers validating the transparency of the vote. There is the high potential for violent unrest in the lead up to, and following, the new election; at least 28 people died in the aftermath of the original vote.
  • Hajj Pilgrimage – Close to two million of the world’s Muslims have taken part in the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is then followed by the Eid al-Adha, one of the two most important Islamic festivals, which began on the evening of 31 August. In 2015, upwards of 800 were killed in stampedes during Hajj, some reports suggest that more than a dozen have been killed this year for a variety of reasons. Saudi Arabia has permitted Qatari nationals to attend despite their ongoing diplomatic dispute.
  • Nineveh Liberated – Iraqi officials declared the complete liberation of Nineveh province, as territory controlled by Islamic State (IS) in Iraq continues to be depleted. IS now controls only a few urban areas and some barren desert in central and western Iraq. The terror group are likely to increase terror attacks across Iraq with Shia Muslims likely to be specifically targeted.

What To Look Out For Next Week

  • Chile Protests – The ‘NO + AFP’ activist group are due to hold nationwide rallies on 3 September as they continue to protest the country’s private pension system. The largest rally is expected to occur in the capital Santiago, where protestors are due to gather and Plaza Italia. Protesters have been demanding an end to pension cuts for more than a year.
  • Frankfurt Bomb Disposal – On 3 September, some 70,000 residents of Frankfurt within a 1.5km radius of Wismarer Strasse in Westend district are due to be evacuated to allow officials to remove a 1,800kg World War IIera bomb. Evacuations are due to begin at 0600 local time with widespread travel disruptions predicted.
  • BRICS Summit – The ninth summit of the BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – is due to take place in the Chinese city of Xiamen between 3 and 5 September. The BRICS members are leading developing countries and highly influential regional powers; they represent 23 per cent of world’s economy and 43 per cent of its population. The BRICS group is seen a potential challenger to the post-World War II western dominated international order. One important issue expected to be raised is the recent clashes on the Chinese Indian border.

Significant Dates & Events

  • 19 August – 10 September – Vuelta a Espana Cycling Race
  • 1-3 – Formula One Weekend in Monza, Italy
  • 2 September – Vietnam National Day • 3 September – Calgary Pride Parade
  • 3-10 September – Tour of Britain Cycling Race
  • 4 September – Islamic Festival of Eid al Adha finishes
  • 6 September – Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia
  • 7 September – Brazil Independence Day
  • 8 September – Macedonia Independence Day
Click link to Download PDF: Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 35 The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 33 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.