Category Archives: Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou Rocked by Terrorist Attacks

On Friday 2 March, armed assailants attacked several targets in Burkina Faso’s capital city Ouagadougou, with reports indicating that the army headquarters and the French embassy were targeted in a coordinated assault that France’s ambassador to the West African region called a terrorist attack.

The assault began at around 10 AM (1000 GMT) on Friday, with reports emerging that gunmen had attacked the downtown army headquarters. By noon local time, residents reported that gunfire had largely ceased. Images on social media depicted billowing smoke, with witnesses reporting that the explosion rocked the army compound, setting the building on fire and sending up a thick column of black smoke. Panicked residents fled the city centre on foot or motorbikes as dozens of Burkinabe Special Forces and armoured vehicles took up positions in the area.   Police also took up positions near the offices of the prime minister where gunfire was also reported. Reports have indicated that the French Embassy in Ouagadougou and a French cultural centre were also targeted. France’s ambassador to Burkina Faso Xavier Lapeyre de Cabanes confirmed that the embassy compound, which is located around 2 km (1.24 miles) from the army headquarters, was under attack, though he gave no further details. While the embassy initially stated on its Facebook page that an attack was underway at the embassy as well as at Ouagadougou’s French cultural institute, embassy officials later amended the message to say that it was “not clear at this stage which sites are targeted.” Meanwhile an aide to French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian disclosed that France’s embassy and cultural institute in Ouagadougou are no longer in danger. A statement released by the Elysee Palace in Paris disclosed that French President Emmanuel Macron was being kept up to date with the events in Ouagadougou. If confirmed, the French targets attacked in the country are symbolic given the fact that French President Emmanuel Macron’s choose to outline his Africa strategy, which includes the fight against Islamist militants, in November 2017 in Ouagadougou during an official visit to the region.

A Burkinabe government statement released Friday afternoon disclosed that four gunmen were “neutralized” at the French embassy, adding that operations were continuing. Government spokesman Remi Dandjinou reported that five people were killed and around 50 were wounded in the attack on the military headquarters. He added that two paramilitary gendarmes were killed defending the French embassy. A curfew is currently in place from 1800 until dawn. Anyone in the capital city is advised to remain indoors as further attacks may occur.

This is the third major terrorist attack to take place in Ouagadougou in just over two years. In recent years, Islamist militants across the region have stepped up their attacks in major cities across West Africa, with deadly assaults reported in Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Niger. Suspected jihadists killed at least eighteen people in August 2017 during a raid on a restaurant in Ouagadougou and in recent months, militants have increasingly been targeting Burkinabe security forces and local communities along its remote border region with Mali – proof that the security situation in Mali is spilling over. While there has so far been no claim of responsibility for the 2 Mach 2017 attack, previous attacks were carried out by allies of al-Qaeda in reprisal for Burkina Faso’s participation in the regional fight against Islamist militants. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for an attack on a restaurant and hotel in Ouagadougou in January 2016, in which thirty people were killed.

Security Advisory: Baraboule, Burkina Faso (15 Jan 2016)

 Executive Summary

• Australian couple kidnapped in Burkina Faso overnight Friday to Saturday.
• Islamist group confirms kidnapping.

Incident Overview

The Burkinabe government has confirmed that two Australians have been kidnapped in Burkina Faso, specifically in Baraboule, near the West African country’s borders with Niger and Mali. Burkina Faso’s Communications Minister Remi Dandjinou disclosed Saturday that the couple were Australian nationals, correcting an earlier statement released by the interior ministry which had identified them as Austrian.

A spokesman for Malian militant group Ansar Dine, Hamadou Ag Khallini has stated that the couple were being held by jihadists from al-Qaeda-linked “Emirate of the Sahara,” adding that they are alive and that more details would be released soon.

News of the kidnapping comes just hours after Islamist militants stormed the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougou, leaving at least 26 people dead, including many foreigners.

Embassy Contact Details

Embassy of Canada

316 Professor Joseph KIZERBO ave.

01 P.O. box 548

Ouagadougou 01

Telephone: (226)25.49.08.00

Email: Ouaga@international.gc.ca

Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday (8:30 AM to 12PM; 2PM to 4PM); Friday (8:30 AM – 12 PM)

***Please note that Australians are covered by the Canadian embassy in Ouagadougou***

French Embassy

Avenue du Tresor, BP 504, Ouagadougou

Telephone: (226) 25.49.66.66

Security Advisory

• With ongoing operations in central Ouagadougou, MS Risk advises all travellers to avoid the central area of the capital and to shelter in place unless instructed otherwise by security forces or authorities.
• We also advise all travellers to the country to avoid the border areas with Mali, this is due to a high threat of kidnap. We advise those in remote areas of the country to be aware of ground moves and to always travel in convoy.
• We advise that companies operating across Burkina Faso ensure that heightened levels of security are in place, including accounting for personnel, maintaining regular comms checks, reviewing security and considering crisis plans.
• A curfew has been put in place from 2300 to 0600 UTC in Ouagadougou.
• While the airport in Ouagadougou and borders are currently open, MS Risk advises all travellers that the Burkinabe authorities may change this with minimal notice.

In the wake of the terror attack in Ouagadougou, MS Risk has the following in place:

• Our local agents are taking stock of the scene and we will be able to provide local nationals as private security personnel through our partners for the benefit of clients.  This includes provision of fully licensed armed personnel.

• We have liaison in place with the state security forces and will share relevant information as we are made aware.

• Our analyst team is reviewing the attack and tracking related events and will be issuing further bulletins.

• We have expatriate consultants on standby to deploy to Burkina Faso to conduct urgent security reviews, update crisis response contingencies, supervise security enhancements, coordinate repatriation of non-essential personnel for any companies and other tasks as may be necessary.

• Our aviation partners can lay on private air charters if there is a demand.  We will continue to monitor commercial flight schedules.

• Contact us for more information or support:

• By email: info@msrisk.com
• Our 24/7 hotline: +44 207 754 3555 and request assistance.  Have your    contact details to hand so we can ensure appropriate follow up.

Security Advisory: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (15 Jan 2016)

Executive Summary

• On 15 January, around 19:30 local time, multiple gunmen attacked the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso.
• Three to six gunmen stormed the hotel, taking hostages.
• Officials have reported that 22 people have been killed, including foreign nationals.
• The Cappuccino café-restaurant, located across from the hotel, was also attacked.
• Security forces launched assault to reclaim the hotel in the early hours of Saturday.
• The Burkinabe government has enforced a curfew from 2300 to 0600 UTC.
• Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility.

Incident Overview

On 15 January at approximately 19:30 local time, multiple gunmen attacked the Splendid Hotel, which is frequented by westerners, in Ouagadougou. Witnesses reported that attackers torched cars and fired in the air in a bid to drive people back from the building. There was an intense gun battle that erupted between the gunmen and security forces.

In the early hours of Saturday, security forces launched an assault to reclaim the Splendid Hotel, with witnesses reporting that part of the hotel was on fire. Security operations to drive the militants from the hotel have ended, with Minister of Communications Remis Danjinou reporting that all 126 hostages have been freed. Three jihadists were killed in the operation. Security ministry spokesman Abi Ouattara has confirmed that 22 people have been killed in the terror attacks in Ouagadougou. The fatalities are believed to be from 18 different countries. At least thirty-three people have been taken to hospital with injuries, with patients reporting that the attackers had targeted westerners. At least ten people were killed in the terror attack at the Cappuccino Café. On Saturday morning, a second siege by gunmen was reported to be taking place at a second hotel, the Yibi Hotel. Operations are currently underway with security forces trying to determine if some of the fighters were hiding there.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility for the attack. It is believed that fighters from al-Qaeda affiliate al-Murabitoun carried out the attack.   The group has indicated that it targeted the Splendid Hotel because it is popular with foreigners.

While Burkina Faso has endured bouts of political turmoil in the wake of the overthrow of veteran President Blaise Compaore in October 2014, it has been largely spared of violence carried out by Islamist militants who have staged deadly attacks in neighbouring Mali, which it shares a 600 km (375 mile) border. Friday’s attack will present a significant challenge to President Roch Marc Kabore, who was elected in November 2015 as Burkina Faso’s first new leader in decades.

In December 2015, the French embassy warned its citizens against travelling to a national park in eastern Burkina Faso after reports that jihadists were threatening to kidnap foreigners. In May 2015, Islamist militant group al-Mourabitoun disclosed that it was holding a Romanian man who was kidnapped from a mine in northern Burkina Faso the previous month.

In recent years, Islamist militants have staged deadly attacks in a number of West African states bordering the Sahel. On 20 November 2015, two militants killed twenty people, including foreigners, at the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali’s capital. Security forces later killed the two militants. That attack was claimed by al-Mourabitoun and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), with AQIM later calling for similar attacks across the region.   In the wake of that attack, officials in the region warned of similar attacks being carried out, including in Burkina Faso.

Embassy Contact Details

Embassy of Canada

316 Professor Joseph KIZERBO ave.

01 P.O. box 548

Ouagadougou 01

Telephone: (226)25.49.08.00

Email: Ouaga@international.gc.ca

Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday (8:30 AM to 12PM; 2PM to 4PM); Friday (8:30 AM – 12 PM)

***Please note that Australians are covered by the Canadian embassy in Ouagadougou***

French Embassy

Avenue du Tresor, BP 504, Ouagadougou

Telephone: (226) 25.49.66.66

Security Advisory

• With ongoing operations in central Ouagadougou, MS Risk advises all travellers to avoid the central area of the capital and to shelter in place unless instructed otherwise by security forces or authorities.
• A curfew has been put in place from 2300 to 0600 UTC.
• While the airport in Ouagadougou and borders are currently open, MS Risk advises all travellers that the Burkinabe authorities may change this with minimal notice.

In the wake of the terror attack in Ouagadougou, MS Risk has the following in place:

• Our local agents are taking stock of the scene and we will be able to provide local nationals as private security personnel through our partners for the benefit of clients.  This includes provision of fully licensed armed personnel.

• We have liaison in place with the state security forces and will share relevant information as we are made aware.

• Our analyst team is reviewing the attack and tracking related events and will be issuing further bulletins.

• We have expatriate consultants on standby to deploy to Burkina Faso to conduct urgent security reviews, update crisis response contingencies, supervise security enhancements, coordinate repatriation of non-essential personnel for any companies and other tasks as may be necessary.

• Our aviation partners can lay on private air charters if there is a demand.  We will continue to monitor commercial flight schedules.

• Contact us for more information or support:

• By email: info@msrisk.com
• Our 24/7 hotline: +44 207 754 3555 and request assistance.  Have your    contact details to hand so we can ensure appropriate follow up.

Attack on Hotel in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

As at 21:50 hrs GMT Friday 15 Jan 16 FLASH TRAFFIC.  On Friday evening, gunfire and explosions were heard in the central part of Ouagadougou.  Witnesses have reported seeing three gunmen near the Splendid Hotel, which is located in a busy district of the capital and frequented by United Nations officials and westerners.   A car was also set on fire in front of the hotel.   Unconfirmed reports of car bomb(s).  The “Cappuccino” cafe located across the hotel is also believed to have been targeted.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that there is a hostage situation in the hotel.

This situation is not confirmed as over.  Do not journey into the centre of Ouagadougou until it is confirmed safe to do so.  Shelter in a safe place.  Account for all expat and local national personnel.

Expect heavy military presence in the coming days including vehicle checkpoints and increased controls at and near airport and other potential iconic targets.  Be prepared for potential disruption to flight schedules.   Liaise with embassies for additional information when practical.

The attack on the hotel comes just weeks after warnings of such attacks in the wake of the attack on the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Mali.

Burkina Faso Releases Preliminary Election Results

The head of the country’s electoral commission disclosed on Monday that Burkina Faso should announce provisional election results on Monday.

Speaking at a news conference late on Sunday, Barthelemy Kere, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission, disclosed that there was a strong turnout in all 45 provinces and that logistical problems at the start of the day were by-and-large resolved, adding that the elections were peaceful.   The electoral commission has announced results for 21 communes, out of a total of 368 communes. The results show that Roch Marc Kabore is in the lead, with Zephirin Diabre in second.

On Sunday, Burkina Faso voted in an election to choose the West African country’s first new president in decades. On the ground sources have reported that people formed long lines at polling stations to vote for the president. Polls closed at 6 PM local time. A second round will be held if no candidate secures a majority. The country’s election commission has disclosed that over five million people are registered to vote, adding that it will publish preliminary results as soon as Monday. A successful election in Burkina Faso would effectively establish the country as a beacon for democratic aspirations in Africa, where veteran leaders in Burundi and Congo Republic have changed constitutions in a bid to pave the way for fresh terms in office. Furthermore, Sunday’s election also represents a turning point for the country, which, for most of its history since gaining independence from France in 1960, has been ruled by leaders who came to power in coups.