Burkina Faso: New travel advisory issued by the French

Event

On Wednesday, February 6, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs (MAE) updated its Burkina Faso travel advisory. It now advises its citizens to avoid nonessential travel to areas in the southwest of the country, including most part of the Cascades region, and the southern part of the Southwest region due to the increased insecurity prevailing in the area. French authorities added that while travels between the towns of Bobo Dioulasso (Haut-Bassins region), Banfora, and Niangoloko (both located in the Cascades region) remain possible, an incrased vigilance must be exercised.

Furthermore, French authorities warned their citizens that essential travels in non recommended areas should be limited in time, advising to systematically spend the night in the capital Ouagadougou.

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

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.