West Africa: Militancy to threaten multiple countries and foreign travelers within them through at least mid-2022 /update 2

Event

Regional militant groups aligned with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State will continue to pose significant threats to several countries in West Africa - including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria - as well as foreign travelers within them through at least mid-2022. An overview of threats by country is included below:

• Burkina Faso: Significant threat of militant violence in border areas. Central and urban areas, including Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, are more secure, but the threat of terrorism remains elevated.

• Cameroon: Significant threat of militant and interethnic violence in the extreme north of Cameroon (i.e., Far North Region), particularly along border areas with Nigeria and Chad.

• Chad: Significant threat of militant violence in all border areas, including the Lake Chad region and areas bordering Libya. There is a lower threat of attacks in N'Djamena.

• Mali: Significant threat of militant and interethnic violence in northern and central Mali and in areas bordering Burkina Faso and Niger. Major urban areas, including Bamako, are more secure, but the threat of terrorism remains elevated. Threats are less pronounced in southwestern areas bordering Senegal and Guinea.

• Mauritania: Threat of militant violence in eastern security zone and in areas bordering Mali.

• Niger: Significant threat of militant violence in areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso and in the Lake Chad area. Threats in Niamey are less severe.

• Nigeria: Significant threat of militant violence in northeastern regions, particularly in areas bordering Chad and Cameroon.

Local authorities in affected countries, including in Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have introduced measures to counter insecurity in high-threat areas. Such measures include states of emergency, localized curfews, and designated security zones. Officials are likely to maintain these measures and/or expand them in response to the ongoing security threat or in response to new incidents or security assessments.

Context

The threat of targeted militant attacks and kidnappings is heightened across the region, especially in northeastern Nigeria, extreme northern Cameroon, northern Mali, and along the borders of Burkina Faso and Niger. The militant threat in Mali has generally spread southward into Burkina Faso and Niger, with authorities now concerned about the possibility of attacks in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, and Benin. Militants have previously launched attacks targeting upscale hotels and bars in capitals and urban centers across the Sahel region, underscoring the risk to foreign nationals operating in or traveling to these countries. Western countries, such as France, continue to advise against travel to much of the West African Sahel, citing the risk of terrorism and kidnapping.

Advice

Limit exposure to possible targets, including security posts, government buildings, and places of worship. Strictly observe curfews and other emergency restrictions. Maintain a low profile when possible, and limit time spent in crowded areas and locations without hard security. Seek guidance on secure transport options and travel in a guarded convoy if ground movements are necessary; complete all travel well before nightfall. Remain vigilant and be prepared for a possible sudden and rapid deterioration of the security environment. Register and maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Obtain a satellite phone for emergency use. Seek information on route and destination security conditions before conducting ground movements.