Warden Message

Authorized Demonstration

March 13, 2008

This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens in Burkina Faso of an authorized demonstration organized by workers’ unions and opposition parties in Ouagadougou on Saturday, March 15.  The purpose of the demonstration is to protest recent price increases in food commodities across Burkina Faso.

The demonstration is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. behind the Mayor’s office.  It is expected to pass through downtown Ouagadougou to the Prime Minister's office and return to the workers' union office building (Bourse du travail). Demonstration organizers told Embassy representatives that they expect approximately 3,000 participants and stated that they anticipate a peaceful event. 

We remind American citizens that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. The Embassy urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution in the vicinity of any protest, and to avoid crowds, political gatherings, and street demonstrations, even if they appear to be peaceful.

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.  For additional information on Burkina Faso, see the Country Specific Information for Burkina Faso and the U.S. Embassy web site.

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.