Burkina Faso: Authorities prohibit planned protest march against insecurity Jan. 22 /update 1

Event

Activists associated with the civil society group "Let's Save Burkina Faso" have failed to win a legal appeal against an official ban on a planned march in Ouagadougou, Jan. 22. The purpose of the action was to protest ongoing insecurity and to support efforts to combat rising militancy in the country. Participants planned to assemble at the United Nations Roundabout beginning at 08:00 before marching along avenues Kwame Nkrumah, Houari Boumedienne, de la Cathedrale, and Avenue of the United Nations and returning to the United Nations Roundabout, where a rally was scheduled for 10:00.

Police will likely act forcefully if activists attempt to gather in defiance of the prohibition. Violence was reported at a related demonstration in November 2021, which took place despite a ban; clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot therefore be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Heed the advice of security officials. Allow additional time to reach destinations near any demonstration Jan. 22. Monitor local sources for additional information on protests as organizers may not announce plans in advance.