Burkina Faso: Union calls for sit-in September 14-15

Event

The Burkina National Secretaries Union (SYNASEB) called on Tuesday, September 12, for a sit-in on September 14-15 to protest the government’s inaction regarding improvements to working conditions. While organizers have called for protests to take place nationwide, it will be focused in Ouagadougou in front of the Ministry of Public Services, Labor, and Social Protection from 07:00 (local time) to 12:00. SYNASEB also announced that should the government ignore its demands, further action may be taken. Transportation disruptions are possible in the vicinity of protests.

Context

Burkina Faso is in the midst of a significant socioeconomic crisis. Protests by the political opposition as well as various sectors of society, public and private, regularly take place demanding better working and living conditions, condemning the government’s perceived mismanagement of the country, as well as their heavy-handed suppression of opposition elements.

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso should avoid any and all demonstrations related to the strike, and anticipate potential transportation disruptions in the immediate area.

On a separate note, due to the 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. 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. 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.