Burkina Faso: Government states that earlier gunfire at military barracks has been brought under control Jan. 23 /update 2

Event

According to a Jan. 23 statement from the Minister of Defense, General Bathelemy Simpore, authorities have brought earlier gunfire and associated unrest at military barracks in the capital, Ouagadougou, as well as in the cities of Ouahigoya and Kaya, under control. Simore stated that no government institution is under threat and the president had not been detained. He also said the cause of the unrest is currently under investigation. The exact cause of the gunfire and unrest remains unconfirmed. There have been no reports of casualties as a result of the earlier gunfire. Reports also indicate that authorities may have temporarily cut mobile internet services, though this cannot be confirmed.

Separately, a gathering took place in Ouagadougou earlier Jan. 23, but was forcefully dispersed by police. Further details regarding this are unavailable.

Additional protests by civilian activists are possible over the coming days regardless of the outcome of the events of Jan. 23.

Context

The Burkinabe government has come under sustained pressure over its failure to stem militant violence in the country. A notable attack near a gold mine in Inata, Soum Province Nov. 14 left approximately 50 soldiers dead, which in turn led to a notable increase in anti-government protest action. In response, President Roch Marc Christian Kabore dismissed his prime minister Dec. 9, which in turn, according to Burkinabe law, triggered the resignation of the whole government. However, protests have continued, with the most recent protests occurring Jan. 22.

It is possible the Jan. 23 unrest was part of a mutiny or coup attempt by soldiers; however, information pertaining to this is currently limited. Nonetheless, authorities did state Jan. 11 that they had arrested at least eight army personnel, including Lieutenant-Colonel Emmanuel Zoungrana, on suspicion of plotting to destabilize the government. This could indicate a degree of dissatisfaction among the military with the Kabore's government.

Advice

If operating in Burkina Faso, avoid government buildings, security installations, large concentrations of police and soldiers, or any protests that may materialize. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.