The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that civil society groups plan to hold rallies throughout Burkina Faso to express grievances related to the Presidential Security Regiment. The rally in Ouagadougou is expected to take place on Saturday, February 7, at 08:00am, at the Place de la Nation, also known as the Place de la Revolution. Crowds, heavy traffic and road closings in the vicinity can be expected.
The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests. Remember, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Be alert, remain aware of your surroundings, and stay informed of local media reports.
We also strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Burkina Faso enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution Read the Country Specific Information for Burkina Faso. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou is located in Ouaga 2000, Sector 15, on Avenue Sembene Ousmane, southeast of the Monument aux Héros Nationaux. If you are a U.S. citizen in an emergency situation after normal Embassy operating hours, please contact the Embassy’s main number at (+226) 50-49-53-00, dial “1,” and ask to be connected to the duty officer.
