Warden Message

Potential Strike

April 7, 2008

This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens in Burkina Faso that union leaders have called for a general, nationwide strike for April 8-9 to protest the rising cost of living.  They plan to hold meetings at the Workers Union Office on Avenue MGR Thevenoud near the Place de Cineastes (Sector 1 – Arrondissement de Baskuy, Quartiers Saints) in Ouagadougou.  There will be an increased police presence in that area, and perhaps in other parts of Ouagadougou.  We understand that union leaders are encouraging businesses to close. 

The U.S. Embassy reminds American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.  The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue John F. Kennedy and the mailing address is 01 B.P. 35, Ouagadougou.  The telephone numbers are (226) 5030-6723/24/25, Monday to Thursday (0730-1700), Friday (0730-1230); (226) 5031-2660 or 5031-2707 after hours; fax number (226) 5031-5273; email: ouagaconsular@state.gov.