Burkina Faso: Angela Merkel to visit Ouagadougou May 1-2

Event

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit the capital Ouagadougou from Wednesday, May 1, through Thursday, May 2. During the official state visit, Merkel will hold bilateral meetings with President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré and attend a G5 Sahel summit. On May 2, she will also visit Joseph Ki-Zerbo University and deliver a speech to students. Heightened security measures, including road closures and checkpoints, are anticipated throughout the city and at Thomas Sankara International Airport (OUA).

Context

This will be the first official visit by a German chancellor to Burkina Faso since the country gained independence in 1961. Previously, Merkle has met with President Kaboré in Berlin in March 2017 and February 2019. According to Kaboré’s office, the meetings will focus on strengthening cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, resource management, terrorism, gender issues, and terrorism.

Advice

Individuals in Ouagadougou on May 1-2 are advised to keep abreast of the situation, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, and anticipate heightened security measures, traffic disruptions, and an increased demand for hotels.