Burkina Faso: Explosive device kills three in Djibo February 14

Event

A improvised explosive device (IED) hidden in a dead corpse dressed in a military uniform detonated in Djibo ( Soum province; Sahel region) on Thursday, February 14. According to security officials, soldiers and police forces were inspecting the body after it was discovered abandoned on a road, when the device detonated. A military doctor was killed and two police officers were wounded in the blast. 

Context

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).

On January 1, 2019, the government declared a state of emergency for the country's border regions, to be in effect for six months.

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.