Warden Message

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy – Burkina Faso
February 20, 2008

The U.S. Embassy is issuing this Warden Message to alert American citizens to reports of civil disturbances in Bobo-Dioulasso. 

Reports from a variety of sources have described groups of individuals in confrontations with the police in Bobo-Accart Ville and Ouezin Ville.  In some areas individuals are throwing rocks at police and vehicles.  Schools and shops have been closed. 

The cause of these disturbances is unclear at this time.  Some reports suggest that some individuals were demonstrating against a recent tax increase on food commodities.  The reports indicate that the police are currently patrolling the streets. 

Even though there are no indications of any protests in Ouagadougou, additional riot police have been deployed on the streets as a precautionary measure.

The Embassy urges U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution in the vicinity of any protest, and if at all possible to avoid crowds, political gatherings, and street demonstrations, even if they appear to be peaceful.

Americans living or traveling in Burkina Faso are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Burkina Faso. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

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 is also located on the Embassy web site at http://ouagadougou.usembassy.gov.