Burkina Faso: Persisting insecurity in the north

Event

As of Monday, January 15, the Australian doctor Arthur Elliott Kenneth, who was kidnapped two years ago in Djibo (Soum province) is still being held captive by jihadist militants. A coalition of 20 associations took to the streets in Djibo on January 14 to call for the government to take actions for his release.

Furthermore, due to the ongoing insecurity in the north of the country, military forces, supported by the gendarmerie and police, launched a major anti-terrorist operation over the Christmas holiday period in the area. At least 30 people suspected of having links with regional terrorist groups have been arrested. Security forces also destroyed several training camps and safe havens, and  seized weapons and ammunition during the operation.

Finally, several schools in the area remain closed as teachers have left following death threats from the militants. Moreover, health workers and some civil servants have also fled the area.

Context

On July 1, 2017, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) released a 16-minute video showing six of the seven hostages known to be held in the Sahel region by the militant group, including the Australian doctor. One of the victims was released in August 2017. Kenneth’s wife was released in February 2016.

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, rates of criminal violence - much of which is interlinked with terrorist activity - have also increased.

Foreign nationals face a particularly high risk of kidnapping, especially from jihadist groups, throughout the region, although kidnappings have decreased since the French military deployed troops to the region in 2014 (Barkhane Forces). Though the risk of kidnapping is significantly higher on the bordering regions with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, capital cities and other urban areas (e.g. Niamey, Ouagadougou, Bamako) are not exempted from this threat.

Advice

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.