Burkina Faso: Call for protests during Macron visit Nov. 27-29

Event

A coalition of seven civil society organizations have called for protests in the capital Ouagadougou on Monday, November 27, during an official visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. Protesters will denounce what they consider to be looting of natural resources by “imperialist” multinationals, as well as the French military presence in the country and the CFA franc as the national currency. Further protests are possible throughout the duration of the visit, scheduled to last until November 29. An increased security presence and related traffic disruptions are likely.

Context

President Macron will stay in Ouagadougou from November 27 through November 29. Macron is set to address Burkinabe and other African youths at the Joseph Ki-Zerbo Unviersity on Tuesday. He will also inaugurate West Africa’s largest solar plant, located in Zagtouli, near the capital.

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso should avoid all demonstrations due to risk of violence and anticipate potential transportation disruptions in the immediate area of any public gatherings.

On a separate note, due to the serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to be discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. A number of Western governments advise against all travel to areas within 50 km (30 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Niangoloko line. Nonessential travel to the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso and border regions of Tapoa province is also advised against due to unstable security conditions along the border.