26 Jan 2018 | 05:14 PM UTC
Burkina Faso: Nationwide sit-in Jan. 29-30, strike Jan. 31-Feb. 2
SYNACSAB union plans nationwide sit-in January 29 to 30 and strike from January 31 to February 2; related commercial and transportation disruptions expected
Event
The National Union of Civil Administrators, Secretaries, and Administrative Assistants of Burkina Faso (SYNACSAB) has announced a nationwide, 48-hour sit-in from Monday, January 29, to Tuesday, January 30. The sit-in protests are planned to take place in front of provincial government offices, police stations, and other state administrative buildings throughout the country, including in Ouagadougou.
Moreover, SYNACSAB has announced a related nationwide strike from Wednesday, January 31, to Friday, February 2. Associated commercial and transportation disruptions are expected in the affected areas in the coming days.
Context
The planned SYNACSAB sit-in and strike come amid continued public grievances over living and working conditions in the country and perceived poor governance that has failed to address such issues. SYNACSAB's reported frustrations are high costs of living in the country, the general state of disrepair in living and working spaces, pervasive insecurity, and the lack of a delineated career path for workers in the union, among other concerns.
Advice
Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
In general, 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 (31 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.
