05 Sep 2017 | 06:44 PM UTC
Burkina Faso: Increased security along the Nkrumah Avenue (Ouagadougou)
Officials announce increased security measures on September 4 along the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in Ouagadougou following two attacks in 19 months
Event
Burkina Faso's Minister of Security announced on Monday, September 4, that increased security measures are being implemented along Ouagadougou's Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, where two recent terrorist attacks have taken place. Under the new measures, security patrols will take place more frequently, especially around common gathering places. Residents and shop owners in the area have been asked to cooperate with the security forces. Similar measures will likely be implemented elsewhere in the country in a bid to contain and respond to potential threats.
Also on September 4, the US Peace Corps volunteer organization announced that they will temporary suspend operations in the country due to security concerns. It is unclear when Peace Corps operations may resume.
Context
Kwame Nkrumah Avenue was specifically singled out for increased security measures after a second attack occurred on the avenue earlier this month. On January 15, 2016, an attack targeting the Café Cappuccino and the Splendid Hotel left at least 29 people dead. The second incident occurred on August 13, 2017, targeting the Hotel Bravia and the Aziz Istanbul Restaurant, in which 18 people were killed.
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.
