Burkina Faso: Unidentified militants wound three near Dori December 4

Event

Unidentified militants attacked a gendarmerie patrol on the Dori-Seytenga axis, some 10 km (6 mi) from Dori (Sahel region), at around 22:00 (local time) on Tuesday, December 4. The assailants reportedly also burned three vehicles in the attack. Further attacks by suspected jihadist militants are to be expected in northern Burkina Faso in the near term.

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, jihadist 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 in the capital 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.