Burkina Faso: Violent incidents in Taouremba and Ouagadougou Nov. 17-19

Event

Unidentified armed men attacked the village of Taouremba (Sahel region) on Friday, November 17, ransacking shops and markets and setting fire to crowded bars. Six people were killed in the attack. Additionally, other unidentified armed men reportedly fired shots into the air on Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in the capital Ouagadougou on Sunday, November 19, sparking panic but resulting in no casualties. An investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in Burkina Faso, especially in the volatile northern Sahel region. Terrorist attacks are usually attributed to the Ansarul Islam group and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Meanwhile, rates of criminal violence - much of which is interlinked with terrorist activity - have also increased.

Increased security measures were introduced on Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in Ouagadougou following terrorist attacks in the area. On January 15, 2016, a first attack targeting Café Cappuccino and the Splendid Hotel left at least 29 people dead. A second incident occurred on August 13, 2017, targeting the Hotel Bravia and Aziz Istanbul restaurant, during which 18 people were killed.

Advice

Due to serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso, including in Ouagadougou, are strongly advised to be discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Some Western governments advise against travel to areas within 50 km (30 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Niangoloko line. Nonessential travel to the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso and border regions of Tapoa province is also advised against due to unstable security conditions.