Burkina Faso: Demonstration in Ouagadougou March 15

Event

Several unions and civil society groups have called for a demonstration to take place in Ouagadougou on Thursday, March 15, to protest an ongoing housing crisis and demand reforms in housing policy. According to local sources, demonstrators are expected to rally in front of the Ministry of Housing and Urbanism in Ouagadougou. Further details concerning the time of the protest are not currently available. An increased security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected; violence cannot be ruled out. 

Advice

Individuals in Ouagadougou 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 (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.​