Burkina Faso: Authorities extend curfews in Est Region until October 2 /update 7

Event

Authorities have extended curfews imposed in the Est region until October 2 amid ongoing insecurity in the region; with all movement being restricted during the curfew period. In Fada N'Gourma (Gourma province) a curfew runs between 00:01 (local time) and 04:00. In Bogande (Gnagna province), Diapaga (Tapoa province), Gayeri (Komondjari province), and Pama (Kompienga province) a curfew is in place from 22:00 to 04:00. In all other areas of the Est region a curfew runs between 19:00 and 04:00.

A heightened security presence is expected throughout Est region in the medium term amid continued security operations. Further extensions to the curfew are also possible.

Context

Burkina Faso declared a state of emergency in the country's border regions, including the Est region, on January 1, 2019. 

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, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), as well as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).

Advice

Those in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments and associated emergency measures (e.g. curfews, state of emergency orders) and remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity.