Burkina Faso military are firing artillery and tanks are shooting at the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) in Naaba Koom base. Sporadic gunfire also occurred in Ouaga 2000 throughout the afternoon. Embassy personnel in Ouaga 2000 continue to shelter in place. Likewise, we urge U.S. citizens in Ouaga 2000 to shelter in place.
On September 29, 2015 the Army Chief of Staff of Burkina Faso issued a notice recommending that individuals avoid travel to and within the Ouaga 2000 neighborhood in Ouagadougou. A nationwide curfew remains in effect from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
The Ouagadougou International Airport is currently closed, however land borders are open. U.S. citizens should be mindful that, as the political situation evolves, closures or openings of borders and airports could change.
Additional military engagement, gunfire, and/or spontaneous demonstrations could occur with little to no advanced warning throughout Burkina Faso until a resolution of the status of the RSP and the transitional government in Burkina Faso becomes clearly established.
U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant and to utilize appropriate personal security practices. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. The U.S. Embassy urges all U.S. citizens to 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).
