Côte d'Ivoire: New travel advisory issued by French government

Event

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) updated its Côte d'Ivoire travel advisory, now advising its citizens to avoid nonessential travel to the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, due to the increased insecurity prevailing in both countries.

Context

Terrorism is a severe security threat in Burkina Faso and Mali, with the threat extending to Côte d'Ivoire. The terrorist attack at the Grand Bassam seaside resort on March 13, 2016 (19 killed; 22 injured) reaffirmed this threat. Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Advice

Individuals present in Côte d'Ivoire are advised to remain vigilant at all times, especially in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (markets, places of worship, diplomatic buildings or consulates, military sites, areas heavily frequented by Westerners, etc.) and to report any suspicious objects or behaviour to the authorities.