The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the National Coordination of Education Unions is planning a demonstration in Ouagadougou at 9am on Wednesday, January 10. The protesters are scheduled to gather at the Worker’s Union Office on Avenue Monseigneur Thevenou and march the following route: Avenue Monseigneur Thevenou- Avenue des Cineastes- United Nation Plaza- Avenue Boumedienne- Avenue Kwame Nkrumah- Avenue Cathedrale- Monseigneur Thevenou Avenue and return to the Worker’s Union Office. Crowds, traffic and potential road closings in the vicinity of the protest route can be expected.
Similar demonstrations may be held in other cities and major towns in Burkina Faso on January 10th.
The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Please remember, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
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 Heros 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).
- The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides several resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector abroad. Additional information on OSAC can be found on osac.gov or by following OSAC on Twitter.
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
