Warden Message

Unauthorized Demonstration

March 7, 2008

This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Burkina Faso of an unauthorized demonstration organized by the group, “La Coordination de Jeune pour la Liberation de Nana Thibaut”.  The demonstration has been called for Saturday, March 8, 2008, in Ouagadougou.  The group plans to call for the release of Nana Thibaut, the jailed leader of an opposition party, who organized the recent demonstrations against increases of the cost of food commodities in Burkina Faso.  Police sources indicate that anti-riot police have been dispatched around Ouagadougou to assist in controlling potential rioters.

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.

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.  Further information on travel to Burkina Faso is located on the Embassy web site at http://ouagadougou.usembassy.gov