Burkina Faso: Schools closed in Kadiogo during Macron visit Nov. 27-28 /update 1

Event

Schools will be closed in Kadiogo province, including the capital Ouagadougou and its surroundings, on Monday, November 27, and Tuesday, November 28. The closures, coinciding with an official visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, have been ordered to avoid significant traffic disruptions. Furthermore, a coalition of seven civil society organizations have called for protests in Ouagadougou on Monday. While the government has not banned the protests, it has called for calm. Further protests are possible throughout the duration of the visit, scheduled to last until November 29. An increased security presence and related traffic disruptions are likely.

Context

President Macron will be in Ouagadougou until November 29. He is set to address Burkinabe and other African youths at the Joseph Ki-Zerbo Unviersity on Tuesday. He will also inaugurate West Africa’s largest solar plant, located in Zagtouli, near the capital.

Protesters intend to denounce what they consider to be the looting of natural resources by “imperialist” multinationals, as well as the French military presence in the country and the CFA franc as the national currency.

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso should avoid all demonstrations due to risk of violence and anticipate potential transportation disruptions in the vicinity of any public gatherings.

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 border.