Burkina Faso: State of emergency imposed in 14 provinces January 1 /update 3

Event

The Burkinabe parliament approved a six-month extension to the state of emergency on Friday, January 11. The existing state of emergency is in effect for areas of the country's border regions, including:

• Boucle du Mouhoun region: Kossi and Sourou provinces
• Centre-Est region: Koulpélogo province
• Est region: Gnagna, Gourma, Komandjari, Kompienga, and Tapoa provinces
• Hauts-Bassins region: Kénédougou province
• Nord region: Lorum province
• Sahel region: Oudalan, Séno, Soum, and Yagha provinces

The order restricts freedom of movement, allows for curfews and the confiscation of weapons, authorizes the search of personal property at any time, and limits publications or statements in support of extremism.

Context

The state of emergency was initially implemented on January 1 following an attack on security forces, killing ten gendarmes. Attacks of continued in the border areas, including an assault on a village in Soum province (Sahel region) that killed 12 people on Thursday, January 10. The president also removed the the head of the Burkina Faso army on Thursday.

Terrorism has become an increasingly severe security threat in Burkina Faso since 2015. Educational institutions, local government officials, and security forces are specifically targeted. Initially concentrated in the Sahel region, attacks have spread to other regions, including eastern Burkina Faso (Est region) which is also known for high crime rates. Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments to the security situation in northern Burkina Faso and applicable regulations (e.g. state of emergency orders) and remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity.

Due to the severe threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso - including the capital Ouagadougou - 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, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.