20 Nov 2019 | 10:13 AM UTC
Burkina Faso: New travel advisory issued by French government /update 2
The French Minister of Foreign Affairs advises its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to most of the country due to increased security risks
Event
On Tuesday, November 19, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs (MAE) updated its Burkina Faso travel advisory. It now advises its citizens - in addition to strictly avoid traveling to bordering areas, along with areas under the state of emergency and the Center-North region north of Ouagigouya-Bogande - to avoid nonessential travel to the rest of the country, due to the increased insecurity prevailing in the area.
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. 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.
