Burkina Faso: Three attacks in Soum province July 24-25

Event

Unidentified gunmen, suspected to be terrorists, reportedly carried out three separate attacks in the villages of Ndidja, Sibé, and Neyba, located in the northern Soum province near the border with Mali, overnight on July 24-25. Five people were killed during the attack. According to local authorities, all victims were identified as members of the militant group Ansarul Islam. The attack is reportedly attributed by the authorities to internal conflicts between different factions of the group.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasing security threat in Burkina Faso, especially in its volatile northern Sahel region. Over 30 people died in nearly a dozen attacks since January 2017, mostly attributed to Ansarul Islam, led by radical preacher Ibrahim Malam Dicko. On June 27, the unauthenticated Facebook page of Ansarul Islam announced Jafar Dicko was the new leader of the group, implying that Ibrahim Malam Dicko was no longer alive. If the information regarding his death is true, varying factions of the group could be vying for its control.

In response to regular terrorist and other armed incursions in the north of the country in recent months, local authorities issued a curfew for the area on Monday, March 6. The curfew remains in effect between the hours of 17:00 and 6:00 (local time) until further notice. During this period, vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles are banned from all roads located in the towns of Baraboule, Nassoumbou, Koutoukou, Oursi, and Markoye, as well as along the border with Mali. Burkinabe authorities have also reinforced security along the both the Malian and Nigerien borders.

Advice

A number of Western governments advise against all travel to areas within 50 km (30 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Niangoloko line. Due to serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to be discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Nonessential travel to the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso and border regions of Tapoa province is also advised against due to unstable security conditions along the borders.