Burkina Faso: New travel advisories issued near Togo border /update 1

Event

Various Western governments issued updated travel advisories in mid-February for the Centre-Est region near the Togolese border due to recent terrorist attacks. The French government is warning citizens to avoid all travel along the main road from Tenkodogo (Boulgou province) to Togo. As of Thursday, February 14, the US government also warned against all travel in similar portions of Centre-Est region.

The French government warning followed a militant attack near the Bittou commune in Boulgou province on Friday, February 15. A Spanish priest and four customs officers were killed after around 20 gunmen assaulted a customs office in Nohao.

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 in the north of the country, activity has since spread to other regions. Attacks are most frequently attributed to Ansarul Islam and other groups affiliated with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). On January 1, 2019, the government declared a state of emergency for the country's border regions, to be in effect for six months.

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments to the security situation and applicable regulations (e.g. state of emergency orders) and remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity. Due to the severe threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso - including 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.