Warden Messages
Warden Message - General Strike
May 12, 2008
This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens traveling to, or residing in, Burkina Faso that a nationwide general strike is scheduled to take place on May 13, 14, and 15. An unauthorized protest has also been called for Wednesday, May 14, in Ouagadougou. Both the strike and the protest are in response to the high cost of living. The protest is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. at the Workers’ Union Office (Bourse du travail) on Avenue Mgr Thevenoud.
We remind American citizens that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence quickly. The Embassy, therefore, urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution in the vicinity of any protests, 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/, 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.