Burkina Faso: Nationwide protests scheduled July 3-4

Event

Opposition and civil society groups plan to stage nationwide protests July 3-4 to denounce general insecurity across the country. President Christian Kabore has called on the organizers to cancel the planned demonstrations and show a united front against the jihadist threat, promising to take further measures to counter the threat effectively. Precise protest locations have not been provided; however, protests are likely to occur near government buildings in cities and towns nationwide. Further information regarding demonstration locations may be provided in the coming days.

A heightened security presence and associated traffic disruptions are likely in the vicinity of any demonstration. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible if activists gather despite the president's call to cancel the marches.

Context

The call to protest follows gatherings June 26. Thousands of people gathered in Kaya (Centre-North region) and Titao (North) to denounce recurrent jihadist attacks. Protesters demanded further action be taken to prevent the attacks, including the restructuring of the security forces.

In recent years, the JNIM and Ansar-ul Islam have emerged as the main non-state armed groups in Burkina Faso. Both groups have claimed responsibility for recent attacks in the country's north and east and attacks in Ouagadougou. Burkina Faso's porous borders with Mali and Niger and the limited capabilities of its security forces mean that further attacks are likely in areas affected by the state of emergency. As such, further protests in response to the violence are likely.

Advice

Liaise with trusted contacts for further information on planned protest locations. Avoid any protests as a routine security precaution and mitigate any associated disruptions. Leave the area immediately at the first sign of a confrontation.