22 Jun 2022 | 01:34 PM UTC
Burkina Faso: Authorities enact two military zones of interest in Est and Sahel Regions June 21
Authorities announce June 21 two military zones of interest in Est and Sahel Regions, Burkina Faso. Increased military operations likely.
Event
Authorities announced June 21 that two military zones of interest will be implemented in the Est and Sahel regions ahead of increased security operations against militant groups.
In the East Region, the area will cover the Tapoa, Kompienga, Komondjari, and Gourma provinces, along with the protected environmental sites of Arly, Kourtiagou, Madjoari, Pama, Singou, and W National Park reserves.
In the Sahel Region, the area will cover the Soum Province and is delimited by the Malian border in the north; the Soum Bella, Gaskinde, Oka, and Souma localities in the east; the Souma, Filio, and Damba localities in the south; and the Tem and Pogol Djambe localities in the west.
People will be prohibited from accessing these areas due to increased military operations. Authorities will grant residents a period to leave the affected areas. Locals opposed to the measure may stage protests. Ground transport disruptions are likely in areas bordering the restricted zones as residents evacuate. Further details, including the start date and the length of the measure, have not been provided.
Context
The announcement follows a series of high-casualty attacks targeting rural areas in Burkina Faso. An attack in Seytenga in Seno Province on June 11 left up to 86 civilians dead and raised concerns over the late security response. Despite the implementation of military zones of interest, the security situation is unlikely to improve in the short term. Further violence is likely given Burkina Faso's porous borders with Mali and Niger and the limited capabilities of its security forces. Islamist militants operating in the tri-border area (i.e., near the shared borders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso) typically attack security facilities and patrols in remote locations near the borders, though attacks on civilians are frequent. Armed bandits also contribute to the poor security environment.
Advice
Abide by all official directives. Do not travel to the affected areas without official approval. Exercise a high degree of vigilance due to the threat of attacks. Travel in convoy, during daylight hours, and with a security escort following a full review of the route. Do not disclose itineraries. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Avoid all protests.
