Warden Message

U.S. Embassy – Burkina Faso

February 20, 2008 (update)

This Warden Message is being issued to alert American citizens to reports of increasing civil disturbances in Bobo-Dioulasso, Yako and Ouahigouya. Credible reports from a variety of sources confirm that one individual was killed during the clash in Bobo-Dioulasso, which included the city’s downtown area and the neighborhoods of Accart Ville and Ouezin Ville. There are several confirmed reports of rock-throwing and tire-burning by demonstrators in Yako and Ouahigouya.

Local authorities have stated that there is a potential for demonstrations in Ouagadougou in the coming days. Demonstrators have made a "call to action" for Monday, February 25, while police sources have indicated Thursday, February 28, as a date for potential demonstrations.

The U.S. Embassy advises Americans citizens in Bobo-Dioulasso, Yako and Ouahigouya to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. We wish to remind 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 if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Americans should monitor local news sources and look for additional updates from the Embassy as details become available.

U.S. citizens with additional information regarding this or any other security incident are strongly encouraged to contact the Embassy at 50-30-67-23 or 50-31-26-60.

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.  Further information on travel to Burkina Faso can be found on the Embassy web site at http://ouagadougou.usembassy.gov/index.html