25 Oct 2018 | 09:22 AM UTC
Burkina Faso: Indefinite curfew declared in Djibo department October 23
Indefinite curfew imposed in Djibo department (north) October 23 following fresh attack on a gendarmerie post October 18
Event
On Tuesday, October 23, local authorities in Djibo department (Sahel region; north) implemented a nightly curfew, which will be in effect from 20:00 to 06:00 (local time) until further notice. The measure follows an attack on a police outpost that occurred in Djibo on October 18, during which a number of people were injured and 50 prisoners managed to escape. A security outpost located approximately 2 km (1 mi) from Djibo was also attacked by unidentified gunmen on October 17; several police officers were wounded.
Context
Terrorism has become an increasingly severe security threat in Burkina Faso since 2015. Educational institutions, local government officials, and security forces are specifically targeted. Initially concentrated in the Sahel region, attacks have spread to other regions, including eastern Burkina Faso (Est region) which is also known for high crime rates. Attacks are usually attributed to Ansarul Islam and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). According to an official account released in mid-September, terrorist attacks have killed at least 118 people since 2015; at least 22 attacks were recorded in the Est region since February 2018.
Advice
Due to the severe threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso - including 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, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.
As a reminder, a number of Western governments also advise against all travel to areas within 50 km (30 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Douna line. The French government also advises against nonessential travel to areas north of the line running from Niangoloko (west) to Pama (east) due to the unstable security conditions.
