Burkina Faso: Political situation remains calm following Jan. 24 coup /update 5

Event

The political situation remains calm across Burkina Faso following the Jan. 24 coup, which ousted President Roch Kabore. The Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and Restoration (MPSR) has restored the Constitution as of Feb. 2 and announced that MPSR leader, Lt. Colonel Paul Henri Sanfaogo Damiba would become President of Burkina Faso until a return to civilian rule, the date for which has not yet been announced.

Business operations have resumed in the capital, and while air borders have reopened Jan. 25, land borders remain closed to traffic except for the transport of essential goods, humanitarian supplies, and military equipment. A nightly curfew remains in effect 00:01-04:00 until further notice.

Heightened security is likely to remain in place in major Burkinabe cities, and especially in Ouagadougou, over the coming days. Demonstrations either in support of or opposed to the recent developments are also possible in major cities and towns across the country over the coming days.

Context

The Jan. 24 coup d'etat was the culmination of mounting popular and military frustration with the Burkinabe government over its failure to curb militant violence in the country. A Nov. 14 attack near a gold mine in Inata, Soum Province, left approximately 50 soldiers dead and contributed to a noteworthy increase in anti-government protest activity. In response, Kabore dismissed his prime minister Dec. 9, which by law triggered the resignation of the entire government; however, related protests continued.

Bursts of gunfire were heard in Ouagadougou Jan. 23 as soldiers mutinied and demanded increased resources to fight the country's Islamist insurgency. Hundreds of residents demonstrated in the city's Place de la Nation to express their support for the mutiny; security forces, however, dispersed demonstrators with tear gas. Further demonstrations in support of the military takeover were reported in the capital Jan. 24-25 following Kabore's ouster.

Advice

Consider avoiding nonessential travel to Burkina Faso until the situation stabilizes. Persons in the country should maintain close contact with their diplomatic representation, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, including curfew-related restrictions. Avoid government buildings, security installations, large concentrations of police and soldiers, and any demonstrations that may materialize. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Reconfirm transport services, including flight reservations, before leaving accommodations.