Burkina Faso: Unidentified gunmen kill four near Djibo November 3

Event

Unidentified gunmen ambushed a car belonging to the mayor of Djibo on Sunday, November 3, killing four people, including the mayor. The car, traveling from Djibo to Ouagadougou, hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Gaskindé, located 30 km (18 mi) from Djibo at approximately 12:00 (local time), killing two of the passengers. The two others who managed to survive were then shot and killed by armed men.

Similar attacks are possible in northern Burkina Faso over the near term.

Context

Burkina Faso declared a state of emergency for the country's border regions on January 1.

Terrorism has become an increasingly severe security threat in Burkina Faso since 2015. Educational institutions, local government officials, and security forces are especially 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).

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments to the security situation, obey local regulations (e.g. state-of-emergency orders), and remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity.

Due to 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.