Burkina Faso: Gunmen kill several people in Soum province June 18-19

Event

Gunmen reportedly attacked a town in Tongomayel department (Soum province, Sahel region) overnight (local time) from Tuesday, June 18, into Wednesday, June 19. At least 17 people were killed in the assault on Béléhédé village. The identity or motive for the incident are not known.

Similar attacks are likely in the Sahel region in the coming weeks and months.

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).

On January 11, Burkina Faso's parliament extended a state of emergency effective in Est and Sahel regions, the western provinces of Kossi and Sourou, the central-eastern province of Koulpélogo, the western province of Kénédougou, and northern province of Lorum by six months.

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments to the security situation in the north of the country and remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity. Many Western governments advise against all travel to northern and eastern Burkina Faso.

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.