Burkina Faso: General strike planned for July 8 and 9 /update 2

Event

Labor unions in Burkina Faso have sent a letter to President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré stating their intent to go on a general strike on Wednesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 9. In addition, the unions are planning meetings for Saturday, July 4, which may lead to larger protests. The strikes are in response to the taxation of benefits and allowance of civil service workers. Past demonstrations against the matter drew tens of thousands of protesters in March 2020.

Further protests and a heightened security presence are likely in the near term.

Context

Union leaders are denouncing planned wage cuts by the government. The organizations are also demanding that the government respect the rights and freedoms of the unions.

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments, avoid demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate disruptions to administrative services, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.