29 Mar 2021 | 08:10 PM UTC
Burkina Faso: Secondary school students in Ouagadougou launch 48-hour protest March 29-30
Student group launches 48-hour protest in Ouagadougou March 29-30. Transport disruptions likely; clashes possible.
Event
The Ouagadougou Association of Secondary School Students (Association des Eleves du Secondaire de Ouagadougou) launched a 48-hour protest action in the Burkinabe capital on March 29. The purpose of the action is to condemn a number of new education reforms, as well as restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first day of the protests, students marched from various secondary schools in the city and converged on the Ministry of National Education, Literacy, and the Promotion of National Languages (MENAPLN) where a rally took place. Organizers have not announced specific locations or timings for further demonstrations; however, gatherings could occur near government agencies, in prominent squares, or at various schools around Ouagadougou through March 30.
Localized transportation disruptions and heightened security are likely. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Advice
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Heed the advice of security officials. Allow additional time to reach destinations in central Ouagadougou through March 30.
