Burkina Faso: Gunmen burn down schools in Est region July 28

Event

Unidentified gunmen torched two schools in Est region on Tuesday morning, July 28. The armed men set fire to a school in the town of Bodiaga before moving on to Malpao in Tansargua town, where they burnt down another school. As of Wednesday, July 29, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks; however, schools are often the target of vandalism by militants in the region.

Further attacks are possible in Est region over 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).

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to monitor developments relating to the security situation, obey local regulations (e.g. state-of-emergency orders), and remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity.

Due to 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.