Burkina Faso: Gunmen attack local mayor's convoy in Pensa (Centre-Nord region) July 6

Event

Unidentified gunmen attacked the convoy of the mayor of Pensa (Centre-Nord region) near the town on the Barsalogho-Pensa road at around 08:00 (local time) on Monday, July 6. Early reports suggest that the mayor is among those killed, in addition to at least five soldiers and local defense militiamen. At least three others are believed to remain missing following the incident.

Context

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). Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Advice

Those in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments relating 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, those in Burkina Faso - including the capital Ouagadougou - are strongly advised to be discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc.