Burkina Faso: Anti-government movement calls for protest in Ouagadougou Nov. 27.

Event

French authorities updated their travel advice for Burkina Faso Nov. 22 amid calls by the Sauvons Le Burkina Faso anti-government movement and other opposition and civil society groups, for a protest in Ouagadougou Nov. 27. Participants will gather from 08:00 at Place de la Nation (formerly known as the Place de la Revolution) and will likely march in the city; the march route remains unclear. Protesters will demand the resignation of president Roch Kabore amid a deteriorating security environment and increasing anti-French sentiment over the latter's ongoing military presence in the country.

With regards to French authorities' updating their advisory, they now advise French nationals to postpone travel to the country, for citizens present in Burkina Faso to limit nonessential travel over the coming days, to not leave main urban centers, and to stay home Nov. 27 given the potential anti-French sentiment of the protest.

Attendance at the protest may be considerable. Similar protests are possible nationwide in main urban centers including Bobo Dioulasso. Possible protest sites include government buildings. Security forces will almost certainly deploy to monitor protests that materialize. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely near any protest sites and march routes. The potential for clashes with security forces is elevated given the anti-government nature of the protest action; police have forcibly dispersed similar demonstrations in the past. Foreign nationals may be targeted given the increased anti-French sentiment.

Context

Tensions are high across the country in recent weeks amid deadly attacks in the north in recent weeks and demonstrations taking place in Kaya since Nov. 18 to denounce insecurity and French military presence. Protesters prevented a French military convoy from passing through the area. Confrontations between French forces and protesters left several people injured, Nov. 21.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations nationwide Nov. 27. Allow additional time to reach destinations near protest venues. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Abide by all official directives.