31 Jul 2019 | 01:19 PM UTC
Burkina Faso: New travel advisory issued by the French government /update 1
The French Minister of Foreign Affairs advises its nationals not to travel to the border with Ghana due to increased security risk
Event
As of late July, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs (MAE) updated its Burkina Faso travel advisory. It now advises its citizens to also avoid nonessential travel all along the border with Ghana due to increased insecurity in the area.
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 July 13, the government extended a state of emergency, which was declared in January for 14 provinces, to remain in effect until January 12, 2020.
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.
