Burkina Faso: Heightened security is likely in multiple locations through at least Oct. 29 /update 1

Event

Burkinabe authorities will likely maintain heightened security in multiple locations through at least 23:59 Oct. 29 in response to the ongoing threat posed by militant jihadism. Authorities extended the state of emergency (SoE) for an additional six months, from 00:01 April 29 in 22 of 45 provinces. The directive, which began March 30, will enable the government to tighten security as part of the nation's counterterrorism efforts. The SoE will be in force in the following locations:

• Boucle du Mouhoun Region: Banwa, Kossi, Nayala, and Sourou Provinces;

• Cascades Region: Comoe Province;

• Center North Region: Bam, Namentenga, and Sanmatenga Provinces;

• Center-East Region: Koulpelogo Province;

• East Region: Gnagna, Gourma, Komondjari, Kompienga, and Tapoa Provinces;

• Hauts-Bassins Region: Kenedougou and Tuy Provinces;

• North Region: Lorum and Yatenga Provinces;

• Sahel Region: Oudalan, Seno, Soum, and Yagha Provinces.

Curfews

In addition to the SoE, authorities have maintained a nightly curfew in multiple locations since April 5. A nighttime 00:01-04:00 curfew will be in effect in the Est Region through at least May 21.

Sahel Regional authorities have enforced a 19:00-05:00 curfew with the exception of various localities through at least May 19. While the town of Dori is exempt from a nightly curfew, the following times and locations differ from the Sahel's regional curfew:

• 00:01-04:00: Djibo.

• 22:00-04:00: Bani, Falagountou, Sampelga, Seytenga, Gorom-Gorom, Markoye, and Sebba.

Officials have stated that the measure would facilitate security operations in the region by the Security and Defense Forces (SDF). The curfew restricts the movement of people, passenger vehicles, two-wheel motorcycles, and bicycles.

Although the SoE is scheduled to expire on Oct. 29, authorities could extend the state of emergency if the situation warrants. Authorities may impose further restrictions on movement and public assembly, including additional curfews. Authorities may extend existing curfews beyond their current expiration dates and/or impose other restrictions on movement or public assembly. Military and police forces will almost certainly maintain an increased presence in the affected provinces; clashes between militants and government forces are likely due to counterterrorism operations. Transport and business disruptions are possible.

Context

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

Militants typically attack security facilities and patrols in remote locations near the borders, though attacks on civilians have increased. Attacks have also spread to previously unaffected areas despite increased security operations by government forces. Militant groups have repeatedly targeted vital infrastructure, schools, religious sites, government offices, and security checkpoints.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of caution in the affected locations 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 your diplomatic mission.