Burkina Faso: Gunmen attack police near Mali border Sep. 27

Event

Unidentified gunmen attacked a police station in Toéni, Boucle de Mouhoun region, on the evening Wednesday, September 27. The attack occurred at approximately 22:00 (local time), when several armed men on motorcycles exchanged fire with police.  Officials say the attack was repelled and no injuries were reported.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in Burkina Faso, especially in the volatile northern Sahel region. Terrorist attacks are usually attributed to the Ansarul Islam group, and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Meanwhile, criminal violence - much of which is interlinked with terrorist activity - has also increased.

Advice

Some 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.