Burkina Faso: Air borders reopen as of Jan. 25 following Jan. 24 coup d'etat; land borders remain closed to most traffic /update 4

Event

Military authorities in Burkina Faso have announced the reopening of the country's air borders Jan. 25 following the Jan. 24 coup d'etat which ousted President Roch Kabore. Land borders remain closed except for the transport of essential goods, humanitarian supplies, and military equipment. Tunisian carrier Tunisair (TU) earlier announced it would suspend all flights to and from Ouagadougou (OUA) until further notice. The status of Air France (AF), Turkish Airlines (TK), and Royal Air Maroc (AT) flights remain unclear as of Jan. 25. The three carriers had canceled scheduled flights to OUA Jan. 24. Disruptions are likely to continue to affect flights to and from OUA in the coming days.

Heightened security is likely in major Burkinabe cities, and especially in Ouagadougou, over the coming days after a military junta deposed Kabore, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the National Assembly. A nightly curfew remains in effect 21:00-05:00 until further notice.

The announcement of the military takeover, made on behalf of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and Restoration (MPSR), claimed that the military had carried out a bloodless coup due to Kabore's perceived failure to unite the country and address its deteriorating security situation, driven by an escalating Islamist insurgency. The MPSR added that it would propose a calendar for new elections and a return to constitutional order "within a reasonable time frame."

The military announcement notably comes after the French Embassy in Burkina Faso issued a security advisory Jan. 24 advising French nationals to limit nonessential daytime travel and avoid traveling at night across Ouagadougou amid mutinies. Additionally, the US Embassy in Ouagadougou issued a security alert Jan. 24 noting that the embassy was closed due to "the uncertainty of ongoing security concerns throughout Ouagadougou."

Transport, commercial, and telecommunications disruptions are likely over the coming days. Further flight disruptions are likely. Additional diplomatic missions may temporarily suspend operations. Demonstrations either in support of or opposed to the recent developments are also possible in major cities and towns across the country over the coming days.

Context

The Jan. 24 coup d'etat was the culmination of mounting popular and military frustration with the Burkinabe government over its failure to curb militant violence in the country. A Nov. 14 attack near a gold mine in Inata, Soum Province, left approximately 50 soldiers dead and contributed to a noteworthy increase in anti-government protest activity. In response, Kabore dismissed his prime minister Dec. 9, which by law triggered the resignation of the entire government; however, related protests have continued.

Bursts of gunfire were heard in Ouagadougou Jan. 23 as soldiers staged uprisings and demanded increased resources to fight the country's Islamist insurgency. Hundreds of residents demonstrated in the city's Place de la Nation to express their support for the mutiny; security forces, however, dispersed demonstrators with tear gas. Further demonstrations in support of the military takeover were reported in the capital Jan. 24-25 following Kabore's ouster.

Advice

Consider avoiding nonessential travel to Burkina Faso until the situation stabilizes. Persons in the country should shelter in place, maintain close contact with their diplomatic representation, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, including curfew-related restrictions. Avoid government buildings, security installations, large concentrations of police and soldiers, and any demonstrations that may materialize. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Reconfirm transport services, including flight reservations, before leaving accommodations.

Resources

French Embassy in Burkina Faso
US Embassy in Burkina Faso