Burkina Faso: Activity near Presidential Palace restricted March 5 /update 4

Event

A nighttime ban on traffic circulation near Kosyam Palace, the presidential residence in Ouagadougou, has been issued following a fatal incident that occurred at a checkpoint near the palace overnight March 3-4. Beginning Monday, March 5, access to the area surrounding the Presidential Palace will be restricted nightly between 18:00 and 06:00 (local time) until further notice. In addition to the ban, an increased security presence has been deployed throughout the city.

Context

On the night of March 3-4, three unidentified armed men attempted to force their way through a security checkpoint at the entrance of the Ouaga 2000 district, located near the Presidential Palace. Presidential guard forces arrested one of the assailants, who was later killed when he tried to escape; the other two assailants managed to flee. It remains unclear whether this incident is related to the coordinated attacks on March 2 on the army headquarters and French Embassy conducted by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) that left seven soldiers and nine assailants dead.

Advice

Individuals in Ouagadougou are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and to anticipate traffic delays surrounding the Presidential Palace during the hours of restricted access.

More generally, 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 borders.