The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that on September 20 RSP elements have destroyed equipment at Onatel, Ouagadougou’s main internet service provider, slowing internet services and eliminating Telmob’s cell phone signal. Onatel technicians are working on repairs to the network, and we have seen some signs of improved connectivity. The Embassy will communicate any future messages via telephone to the wardens who will be asked to contact the U.S. citizens in their warden zone. In the event that internet and telephone communications become unavailable, the Embassy will seek to have any changes to the Embassy’s security recommendations announced via radio, including RFI 94.01and VOA 102.4.
Embassy staff continues to shelter in place and essential movements are made in armored vehicles.
The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou has not received any threat information pertaining to U.S. citizens, or U.S. interests.
The security environment in Burkina remains very fluid, with continued confirmed reports of confrontations between demonstrators and security forces throughout Ouagadougou and other cities in Burkina Faso. Sporadic gunfire continues to be reported.
Commercial flights have resumed at the Ouagadougou International Airport, and land borders are now open. We recommend that U.S. citizens travel to the airport only if they are confident they can do so safely and have a confirmed reservation. A curfew between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am remains in effect.
We urge U.S. citizens in Ouagadougou to continue to shelter in place and make movements for essential purposes only. Due to reports that roadways between major cities may be impassable, U.S. citizens in other parts of Burkina Faso may also find that the best option is to shelter in place.
U.S. citizens should maintain situational awareness and exercise good judgment. Be alert and remain aware of your surroundings. Stay informed and abreast of local media reports.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Burkina Faso Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, in Ouaga 2000, Sector 15, on Avenue Sembene Ousmane, southeast of the Monument aux Héros Nationaux, at (+226) 25-49-53-00, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. If you are a U.S. citizen in an emergency situation after normal Embassy operating hours, please contact the Embassy, dial “1,” and ask to be connected to the duty officer.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
