Burkina Faso: Organizers plan sit-in protest at the Ministry of Commerce in Ouagadougou Aug. 29

Event

Several consumer rights organizations plan to stage a sit-in demonstration at the Ministry of Commerce and Industrial Development in Ouagadougou between 08:30-11:00 Aug. 29. The purpose of the action is to protest rising fuel costs. Municipal authorities, however, have refused to issue a permit for the gathering citing concerns over security and service disruptions.

If activists attempt to move forward with the demonstration despite the city's refusal to grant authorization, authorities will almost certainly deploy an increased police presence near the ministry. Officers could move swiftly to disperse the gathering, resulting in localized traffic disruptions and possibly clashes with activists.

Advice

Avoid the area around the Ministry of Commerce and Industrial Development, as well as the United Nations Roundabout, during the planned protest time frame. Monitor local media for protest updates as organizers may not announce venue or time changes in advance. Leave the area immediately at the first sign of any security disturbance; if unable to do so, take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building until it is safe to depart.