Burkina Faso: Assailants kill at least 21 people during attack in Sawenga, Center-East Region, June 5

Event

According to reports released on June 7, unidentified assailants killed at least 21 people, most of them members of Burkina Faso's security and defense forces, during an attack in the village of Sawenga in the Center-East Region on June 5. At least 14 of those killed were associated with the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), while four military soldiers were also killed. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault, Islamist militants are suspected of being behind the attack.

A heightened security presence will likely remain in the area over the coming days. Local security measures could include movement restrictions, vehicle checks, bans on public gatherings, or curfews. Further attacks and armed clashes are likely.

Sawenga is 176 km (110 miles) southeast of Ouagadougou.

Context

Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and Ansaroul Islam have emerged as the main non-state armed groups in Burkina Faso in recent years. Both groups have claimed responsibility for attacks in the country's north and east. Burkina Faso's porous borders with Mali and Niger and the limited capabilities of its security forces indicate that further attacks are likely.

Militants typically attack security facilities and patrols in remote locations near the borders; however, attacks on civilians have increased. Attacks have also spread to previously unaffected areas despite increased security operations by government forces.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of caution in the affected location and heed authorities' instructions. Maintain a very low profile, restrict nighttime movements, vary routines, and move in guarded convoys. Minimize exposure to potential targets, including places of worship, security installations, markets, and other crowded locations. Carry proper identification and travel documents at all times. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if stopped at a security checkpoint. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.