Côte d'Ivoire: French government issues travel advisory in late December

Event

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) updated its travel advisory for Côte d'Ivoire, stating that citizens should avoid all travel to the eastern border with Burkina Faso, the northern half of the Zanzan district, and the eastern part of the Savanes district due to increased terror and kidnapping risks.

Context

Terrorism is a severe security threat in Burkina Faso and Mali, with the threat extending to Côte d'Ivoire. The terrorist attack at the Grand Bassam seaside resort on March 13, 2016 (19 killed; 22 injured) reaffirmed this threat. Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

The French government previously advised its nationals against non-essential travel to the border areas with Mali and Burkina Faso.

Advice

Individuals in Côte d'Ivoire are advised to remain vigilant at all times, especially in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (markets, places of worship, diplomatic buildings or consulates, military sites, areas heavily frequented by Westerners, etc.) and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.