Burkina Faso: Gunmen set up illegal checkpoints in Kompienga Nov. 15

Event

On Thursday, November 15, unidentified gunmen set up illegal checkpoints on Fama-Pama road near Pama (Kompienga province). According to local sources, individuals at the checkpoints stopped and searched multiple vehicles looking for government officials. Reports indicate that gunmen shot at least one vehicle, wounding one person. A heightened security presence is expected in the area in the coming days. Further such incidents cannot be ruled out in Kompienga province in the near term.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly severe security threat in Burkina Faso since 2015. Educational institutions, local government officials, and security forces are specifically targeted. Initially concentrated in the Sahel region, attacks have spread to other regions, including eastern Burkina Faso (Est region) which is also known for high crime rates.

Advice

Due to the severe threats of terrorism and kidnapping, individuals present in Burkina Faso - including Ouagadougou - 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, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.

As a reminder, a number of Western governments also advise against all travel to areas within 50 km (30 mi) of the Malian border above the Dori-Douna line. The French government also advises against nonessential travel to areas north of the line running from Niangoloko (west) to Pama (east) due to the unstable security conditions.