Burkina Faso: Diguel city employee kidnapped September 7

Event

Four armed militants kidnapped an accountant for the village of Diguel near the Malian border on Thursday, September 7. Reports say the militants fired their rifles into the air before kidnapping the accountant and fleeing towards Djiloungou, Mali. The attackers and their motive have yet to be identified.

Context

Northern Burkina Faso has seen extensive unrest in recent months, including a spike in kidnapping due to its proximity to the Malian border.

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.