Burkina Faso: Intercommunal clashes in Tapoa province April 15

Event

Clashes between Fulani and Gourmantché communities broke out on Sunday, April 15, in the villages of Barimagou and Poulo located in Kantchari department (Tapoa province). According to local sources, the fighting broke out following the death of a Gourmantché villager, and led to the burning down of a dozen Fulani homes; at least 100 members of the Fulani community, including 50 children, reportedly fled the area. Additional intercommunal clashes are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Advice

Individuals in Tapoa province 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.