Insights

At least 18 people have been killed and 8 injured, after suspected terrorists launched an attack in the capital of Burkina Faso on 13 August, opening fire on customers who were sitting outside a hotel and restaurant in Ouagadougou. The city centre has been sealed off by the army and the US embassy in Ouagadougou has warned citizens to avoid the area. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Last year, 170 people were taken hostage and 30 were killed in an al Qaeda terrorist attack on a café nearby. Burkina Faso is part of the Sahel region, which includes Mali, where Islamist groups have been active since 2012.

On 8 June 2017, the US Department of State issued an updated travel warning for Burkina Faso, warning of the risks involved with travelling in the country due to a number of security threats, including violent crime, kidnap and terrorism. It is recommended to avoid all travel to the northern part of the Sahel region and to exercise caution throughout the rest of the country.

“The security environment in Burkina Faso is fluid and attacks are possible anywhere in the country, including Ouagadougou. ISIS, al-Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and al-Murabitun terrorist organizations and affiliates have declared their intention to attack foreign targets in North and West Africa. In January 2016, armed assailants attacked civilians at the Splendid Hotel and Cappuccino restaurant in Ouagadougou, killing 30 people, including one U.S. citizen. AQIM and al-Murabitun claimed responsibility for the attack. Violent extremist groups increased their activities in Burkina Faso’s Sahel region in 2016 and 2017, attacking police stations, customs offices, military posts, and schools in Koutougou, Intangom, Markoye, Tinakoff, Nassoumbou, Kourfayel, and Baraboule. In the border regions shared by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, extremist groups and linked criminal networks have targeted Westerners for kidnapping.”

Those operating or residing in Burkina Faso are advised to take heed of the above warning. Maintain situational awareness at all times and have evacuation plans that do not rely on government assistance. Take steps to mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of violence, including limiting trips to locations frequented by Westerners.