The lead
The FCDO changed its advice for both sides of the Kenya and Ethiopia border at Moyale on 30 October. The Kenya page reports stray gunfire on the Kenyan side and disruption at the Moyale crossing after violence in the Ethiopian town, and tells vehicles to stay on the A2 and drive straight to Marsabit. The Ethiopia page now advises against all but essential travel to Moyale and the Addis Ababa to Moyale road, inside a 10km border area where it advises against all travel.
The second post
The National Living Wage rises 3.9 per cent to £13.21 an hour from April 2027, with the 18 to 20 rate at £11.27. The Low Pay Commission says the Government accepted its recommendations in full.
Security Council
On 30 October the Council renewed three mandates. It unanimously extended the UN Verification Mission in Colombia to 31 October 2027 under resolution 2833, narrowing its focus, as Colombia had asked, to reintegration and security guarantees and away from rural reform; Colombia's representative said members of illegal armed groups rose from 20,420 in 2016 to 29,004 in 2026. It unanimously renewed authorisation of the EU-led EUFOR-Althea force in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 12 months under resolution 2834, on a UK draft. And it extended the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to 31 October 2027 under resolution 2835, by 13 votes to none with Greece and Russia abstaining, encouraging targeted expansions of its presence in Benghazi, Sabha and Sirte within existing resources.
Afghanistan
The UN said on 30 October that renewed clashes near the Torkham crossing with Pakistan are putting civilians and aid workers at risk. On Wednesday 28 October a child from the local community was killed and a humanitarian worker helping families returning from Pakistan was injured. More than 600,000 people crossed at Torkham between January and the start of October, nearly 85 per cent of recorded returns from Pakistan, and the UN noted that earlier escalations have closed the crossing. It did not say who was fighting.
Ukraine
The UN said two humanitarian vehicles came under drone attack on 29 October. In Zaporizhzhia Region a clearly marked bus on a service supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, which OCHA manages, was struck, killing a woman and injuring passengers and the driver. In Sloviansk, Donetsk Region, an armoured evacuation vehicle was hit and two evacuees were injured. The UN did not say who launched the drones.
Tanzania
The FCDO added information on 30 October about security measures against burglary in hotels and other accommodation. Its Safety and security page says intruders may try to get into rooms, advises keeping doors and windows locked, especially at night, and using deadbolts, double locks or security chains where available. It adds: "If your accommodation has security staff, ask for identification before allowing anyone you do not know into your room."
