Burkina Faso: Heightened security is almost certain nationwide in the coming days following Sept. 30 coup /update 6

Event

Military authorities will almost certainly maintain a very tight security posture across the country in the coming days following the Sept. 30 coup d'etat. Military forces remain deployed in Ouagadougou. The security situation has calmed as of Oct. 5, and normal activities have largely resumed. As of Oct. 5, authorities have also reopened all land borders. Air borders previously reopened Oct. 3. There were no reports of widespread violence or clashes targeting French interests Oct. 5. Some protests were reported in Ouagadougou Oct. 4; further protests and violence cannot be ruled out in the coming days.

The US Embassy lifted the shelter-in-place restrictions for its citizens and embassy personnel on Oct. 3; while the French embassy informs its nationals to limit nonessential movement.

Additional checkpoints and patrols are likely in major cities. The new ruling junta could suspend political and civil liberties, potentially sparking sporadic civil unrest; skirmishes between rival activist groups or protesters and police, as well as acts of vandalism, arson, and looting, are possible during any demonstrations that materialize. Authorities could restrict access to the internet or telecommunications services and reimpose curfew orders on short notice in the event of significant violence. Heightened security measures could disrupt business operations and air and land travel.

Context

Troops led by Captain Ibrahim Traore ousted the ruling military junta headed by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba Sept. 30, dissolving the Burkinabe government. Coup leaders assert the overthrow was due to Damiba's alleged pursuit of his own political interests and failure to deal with the nation's deteriorating security situation, in addition to disagreements over who should partner with Burkina Faso in its fight against terrorism. Damiba had seized control of the country's government in a military coup in January. Traore accepted Oct. 2 a conditional resignation offered by Damiba to avoid further violence, and announced he, Traore, would continue to act as president until a transitional civilian or military president is designated in the coming weeks. Although this will assist in limiting the threat of clashes between opposing military factions, tensions will likely remain high across Burkina Faso through early October.

Related protests are likely to persist. Recent protests were reported across Ouagadougou against the arrival of a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Oct. 4. Protestors gathered near La Place de la Nation, Mogho Naba Palace, United Nations Circle, Thomas Sankara International Airport (OUA), Palace Hotel, Lancaster Hotel, and La Perle Restaurant in the Ouaga 2000 neighborhood. A related demonstration occurred in Tiefo Square, Bobo-Dioulasso. Activists demonstrated against external mediation efforts.

Advice

Persons in Burkina Faso should maintain close contact with their diplomatic representations and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. 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. Plan for possible disruptions to telecommunication networks. Update and review contingency plans.