Burkina Faso: Accidental explosion kills two in Bobo-Dioulasso March 26

Event

At 05:40 (local time) on Monday, March 26, an explosion was reported at a customs warehouse near the train station in Bobo-Dioulasso (Houet Province). The blast caused significant material damages, killed two people, and injured one more. According to security officials, the explosion was caused by the accidental detonation of explosives that customs officers had seized and terrorism was not involved. Security forces have reportedly cordoned off the surrounding area. Localized transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of the warehouse.

Context

Security forces in Burkina Faso are on high alert following a string of terrorist attacks. Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in Burkina Faso, especially in the volatile Sahel region. Meanwhile, rates of criminal violence - much of which is interlinked with terrorist activity - have also recently increased.

Advice

Individuals present in Bobo-Dioulasso are advised to anticipate localized traffic disruptions and to avoid nonessential travel near the site of the explosion in the coming days.