West Africa: Militancy to threaten regional stability and foreign travelers through at least the end of 2021 /update 1

Event

Regional militant groups aligned with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State will continue to pose significant threats to countries in West Africa, including Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania, through at least the end of 2021.

• Burkina Faso: Significant threat of militant violence in border areas. Central and urban areas, including Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso more secure, but the threat of terrorism remains elevated.

• Chad: Significant threat of militant violence in all border areas, including the Lake Chad Region and areas bordering Libya. The threat of attacks is less likely in N'Djamena.

• Cameroon: Significant threat of militant and inter-ethnic violence in the extreme north of Cameroon, particularly along border areas with Nigeria and Chad.

• Mali: Significant threat of militant and inter-ethnic violence in northern and central Mali and areas bordering Burkina Faso and Niger. Major urban areas, including Bamako, are more secure, but the threat of terrorism remains elevated. Threats are less pronounced in southwestern areas bordering Senegal and Guinea.

• Nigeria: Significant threat of militant violence in northeastern regions and areas bordering Chad and Cameroon.

• Niger: Significant threat of militant violence in areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso and Lake Chad area. Threats in Niamey are less severe.

• Mauritania: Threat of militant violence in eastern security zone and areas bordering Mali.

Local authorities in affected countries, including Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have introduced measures to counter the security threat in restive areas. Measures include states of emergency, localized curfews, and designated security zones. Officials are likely to maintain these measures and/or expand them in response to the ongoing security threat or in response to new incidents or security assessments.

Context

The threat of targeted militant attacks and kidnappings is heightened across the region, especially in northeastern Nigeria, extreme northern Cameroon, northern Mali, and along the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. The militant threat in Mali has spread southward into Burkina Faso and Niger, with authorities concerned about the possibility of attacks in relatively secure countries such as Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, and Benin. Militants have previously launched attacks targeting upscale hotels and bars in capitals and urban centers across the Sahel region, underscoring the risk to foreign nationals operating in or traveling to these countries. Western countries such as France continue to advise against travel to much of the Sahel region of West Africa, citing the risk of terrorism and kidnapping.

Advice

Limit exposure to possible targets, including security posts, government buildings, and places of worship. Strictly observe curfews and other emergency restrictions. Maintain a low profile when possible, and limit time spent in crowded areas and locations without hard security. Seek guidance on secure transportation options and travel in a guarded convoy if ground movements are unavoidable; complete all travel well before nightfall. Remain vigilant and be prepared for the sudden and rapid deterioration of the security environment. Register and maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Obtain a satellite phone for emergency use. Seek information route and destination security conditions before conducting ground movements.