The situation in Ouagadougou has returned to a relative calm because of ongoing dialogue and as a result of President Kafando’s announcement of the resumption of the transition government. Embassy staff is no longer required to shelter in place and is not required to use armored vehicles between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Embassy staff must still obey the 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew imposed by the “Conseil national pour la democratie” (CND, the National Council for Democracy). Embassy staff has been advised to avoid areas with concentrations of military and RSP including but not limited to the Presidential Palace, the Place de la Nation, and military camps, and to use caution in and around the Ouagadougou International Airport. The police have returned to normal operations in Ouagadougou. Most road blocks have been removed.
Land borders are open. The Ouagadougou International Airport is currently closed to commercial flights due to a strike by airport personnel. We recommend U.S. citizens travel to the airport only if they have a confirmed reservation and after they have confirmed that the airport is operating.
U.S. citizens should be mindful that, as the political situation evolves, closures or openings of borders and airports could change. Furthermore, additional 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 should remain vigilant and 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).
