The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the security environment remains fluid and sporadic gunfire continues.
Demonstrations on September 17 occurred throughout Burkina Faso, including in the cities of Ouagadougou, Bobo Dioulasso, Ouahigouya, Gaoua, and Fada.
A curfew between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am remains in effect. The Ouagadougou International Airport and land borders remain closed.
Embassy staff continues to shelter in place. 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.
We urge U.S. citizens in Ouagadougou to shelter in place and make movements for essential purposes only. U.S. citizens in other parts of Burkina Faso may also find that the best option is to shelter in place. Additionally, U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and utilize appropriate personal security practices. Large gatherings, protests, and demonstrations should be avoided. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. 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).
