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. Embassy personnel in the Ouaga 2000 neighborhood have been instructed to shelter in place until further notice. Likewise, we urge U.S. citizens in Ouaga 2000 to shelter in place.
Embassy personnel outside of Ouaga 2000 have been asked to limit their movements for essential needs only. Embassy staff has been advised to avoid areas with concentrations of military and Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) including but not limited to the Presidential Palace, the Place de la Nation, military camps, all locations south of Avenue Pascal Zagre (the road between Hotel Laico and the Embassy) and to use caution in and around the Ouagadougou International Airport. All Embassy personnel must obey the nationwide curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
The Ouagadougou International Airport and 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 spontaneous demonstrations could occur with little to no advanced warning throughout Burkina Faso until the 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 all 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 surrondings. Stay informed and abreast of local media reports.
For further information:
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See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Burkina Faso Country Specific Information.
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Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in emergency.
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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 Embssy operating hours, please contact the Embassy, dial “1”, and ask to be connected to the duty officer.
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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: p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
