Burkina Faso: Curfew extended to Oudala, Soum, Yagha and Seno provinces as of December 5 /update /update 2

Event

On Thursday, December 5, authorities extended an ongoing nighttime curfew to the Oudala, Soum, Yagha, and Seno provinces (Sahel region) amid growing insecurity and militant activity in the area.

The curfew will run from 19:00 to 05:30 (local time) in Djibo (Soum province), Gorom-Gorom (Oudalan province), and Sebba (Yagha province). In Dori (Seno province) the curfew will be implemented between 21:00 and 05:00. During this period, restrictions to people's movement will be implemented, and the circulation of four-wheeled vehicles, two-wheelers, tricycles, and bicycles will be strictly forbidden. Ambulance traffic will be subject to a "laissez-passer", or a mission order.

Authorities have also indicated that the curfew will be in place through Saturday, January 18, 2020.

A heightened security presence is expected in the Sahel region in the coming weeks. Further attacks are possible in the area. 

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. 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.