Burkina Faso Travel Security

Travel in Burkina Faso requires vigilance. Although tensions in nearby nations such as Liberia and Sierra Leone have eased, complications with Niger have resurfaced. A high rate of crime, sporadic civil unrest and some nasty communicable diseases remain hazards. Those factors account for its risk rating of 6.

Travelers should also exercise considerable caution and maintain high security awareness

High-risk Areas

The borders with Niger and Cote d'Ivoire should be regarded as hazardous.

Burkina Faso is a constitutional republic with a directly elected president and a parliament with two chambers. The president, Blaise Compaore, disarmed local militias and instituted a multiparty system when he came into power in 1987. Despite his reputed left-wing leanings, Compaore also embarked on a program of privatization and austerity measures sponsored by the International Monetary Fund.

In April 2000, the constitution was amended to reduce the presidential term from seven years to five, enforceable as of 2005, and to allow the president to be re-elected only once. However, the high court ruled that the one-term-only law went into effect in 2000, after Compaore's past electoral victory, and didn't apply to him. The National Election Commission declared that Compaore had won the November 2005 presidential poll with more than 80% of the vote. He is expected to step down after the 2010 elections.

In legislative elections held in May 2007, Compaore's ruling Congress for Democracy and Progress won 73 of the 111 seats in the National Assembly, with the remainder split among 12 other parties. African Union observers said voting was carried out in a "credible, free and transparent" fashion, but national radio reported "cases of fraud" in several voting stations in western Bobo-Dioulasso, the country's second-largest city. In the 2006 local government elections, the CDP won 60% of the seats.

Compaore, however, is not as universally well-loved as those results might suggest. In October 2003, an apparent coup attempt by the army was put down, and about a dozen soldiers were arrested. The authorities claimed that the plotters had received aid from another country. Despite the coup attempt, Compaore's government has remained relatively stable despite civil unrest in early 2008.

Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a high population density, few natural resources and fragile soil; it is ranked 176 out of 177 countries in the U.N. human development index. According to studies, 68% of men and 87% of women cannot read or write.

About 90% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is very vulnerable to variations in rainfall. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations. Macroeconomic progress depends on continued low inflation, reduction in the trade deficit and reforms designed to encourage private investment.

Border and regional issues

Tension between Niger and Burkina Faso has increased recently, as each has accused the other's security forces of crossing the border to rob and harass villagers. The dispute has simmered quietly for years, and government officials have held talks on border issues since 2000.

In January 2007, area officials renewed a call for a buffer zone, but the situation was complicated because the exact location of the border has not been agreed. The parties agreed, however, that the buffer zone should run between the Tillaberi region in Niger and the Eastern and Sahel regions of Burkina Faso, and that it should be controlled jointly by the security forces of the two countries. The International Court of Justice in The Hague has been asked to arbitrate the dispute.

Burkina Faso's border with Cote d'Ivoire was closed for some time because of the recent civil war in Cote d'Ivoire. Crisis-related refugee movements still occur in the border area, and there may be an increased military presence to assist refugees and Burkinabe nationals leaving Cote d'Ivoire. It's safest to avoid this region.

Benin accuses Burkina Faso of moving boundary markers, and two villages remain in dispute along their joint border.

Civil unrest

Burkina Faso has been faced with frequent social unrest that has sometimes turned violent during the past two years. In December 2006, protesting soldiers fired their guns in the air and clashed with police, demanding better living conditions and an end to corruption and favoritism among army top officials. Two police officers and three soldiers were killed and several civilians were wounded during shooting that followed.

In February 2008, demonstrations sparked by inflation turned violent and resulted in hundreds of arrests. A coalition of unions and civil society organizations mobilized several thousand people in March 2008 to take to the streets of Ouagadougou and other towns and cities; they threatened a nationwide strike if the government did not find a way to lower prices.

Stone-throwing bands of roving protesters have sometimes targeted foreigners. When the police feel a protest is getting out of hand, they are quick to use tear gas, so take care to avoid crowds.

Monitor local media for news of the strike and its effects. If it appears that the strike will affect food supplies or other essentials, try to stock up, but exercise caution: Other people likely will be doing the same, and altercations can break out. Avoid picket lines and picketers, as well as any strike-related rallies or demonstrations. Remain alert to your surroundings and maintain a low profile--don't do, say or wear anything that would call undue attention to yourself. If violence breaks out, quickly but calmly move away and seek shelter in a hotel or large public building, such as a museum or library. Traffic and public transport may be disrupted; plan alternate routes or modes of transportation you can use, and allow extra time for any travel in the area. If you encounter a roadblock or barricade erected by either picketers or security forces, be patient and avoid provoking a confrontation.

Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival. Monitor local media for updates on the situation in the country and avoid all demonstrations or other large public gatherings, especially if they appear political in nature. If violence or rioting breaks out near your location, attempt to go to your consulate. If you can't get to the consulate, return to your hotel or take shelter in a large public building such as a hotel, museum, hospital or department store, then contact the consulate by phone. Avoid government buildings and police stations, which may serve as a focus for public anger. In your hotel, resist the temptation to watch unrest--stay away from windows and keep the drapes closed.

Human-rights abuses

Security forces are reportedly responsible for numerous extrajudicial murders in recent years. Those responsible have not been disciplined.

Arbitrary arrest and detention is an ongoing issue. In March 2008, local human-rights organizations protested the imprisonment of more than 150 people following violent demonstrations. Among them was the leader of a small opposition party who was accused of masterminding a demonstration in the capital. Some detainees reportedly were tortured and jailed without being heard by an investigative judge.

The government has taken measures to combat violence and discrimination against women, as well as child labor and trafficking. Those practices remain prevalent, as does female genital mutilation.

Additional information

Visitors who commit criminal offenses such as drug trafficking can expect to be subjected to local law, and prison conditions are harsh. Approximately 40% of Burkina Faso's residents are Muslims, so women are expected to dress modestly.

Street crime in Burkina Faso poses high risks for visitors. Stay alert, move about only in groups and avoid poorly-lit areas. Be especially cautious at night.

Petty crime

Most reported incidents involve purse snatchers and street-scam artists who target wallets, jewelry and other valuables. Street vendors often surround travelers, hawking their wares; this occasionally serves as a distraction technique for pickpockets and purse snatchers. Thieves are especially active during international meetings or events, which draw large crowds to the capital.

Special care must be taken downtown and in areas frequented by tourists and businesspeople, especially near the U.N. circle; incidents of street crime are frequent and sometimes violent.

Hold bags and purses securely or carry them in an inside pocket, making sure the openings are fastened; keep the openings turned toward you and away from any passers-by. Don't carry a bag with a long strap, as such straps are easier for a thief to grab. Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry, and don't display large amounts of cash; take care with electronic equipment. If you're carrying a cell phone, take care to safeguard it, as mobile phones are highly coveted by thieves in many places. Keep car doors and windows closed and locked.

Violent crime

When driving along major roads, watch out for highwaymen. There have been increases in armed robberies and attacks on the Fada-Kantchari road, National Route 4, which is the main east-west highway.

Although these highway robbers operate mostly at night, there have been daytime attacks, as well. Highwaymen have injured and/or killed individuals who refused their demands. Avoid traveling at night and don't stop for what appear to be road-maintenance crews, hitchhikers, people apparently in distress or others blocking the road. Check with your embassy for the latest security information before setting out overland.

If you encounter a roadblock that does not appear to be manned by uniformed police or you notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around and use an alternate route. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a car pulling up behind you, leave some space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Be prepared to drive away if you notice people approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a car attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

White-collar crime

Scams are growing more common, especially the mail/Internet "419 scam" in which a person is contacted by the "Burkina Development Bank" or "Burkina International Bank." This fraud involves claims that the contents of old accounts are available if the addressee will provide banking information. If you are contacted, don't respond--report the matter to your embassy.

Police effectiveness

Police often fail to respond to emergency calls. Notify your embassy if you become the victim of a crime.

Brief but violent rain and windstorms can occur during the rainy season, June-October. Roads may be impassable at such times. The dry season, December-February, is characterized by dusty harmattan winds that can limit visibility for motorists.

Flooding

Severe flooding struck Gorom-Gorom, 167 mi/270 km north of the capital, Ouagadougou, and close to the Niger/Mali border, in August 2006. Thousands lost their homes to the torrential flooding.

Health care is poor in Burkina Faso.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities and emergency hospital care are very limited, particularly in areas outside Ouagadougou. Some medicines are available through local pharmacies, but visitors requiring medicines should take supplies adequate for the duration of their stay.

Emergency care

There are no trauma facilities or intensive-care units in the country.

Diseases

Malaria is a serious risk, and dengue fever, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, typhoid fever and yellow fever are also prevalent. See your doctor about preventive medications before departure and take precautions against mosquito bites.

Cholera is also endemic. In 2007, there was an outbreak in Ouagadougou and its outlying areas. Authorities reported more than 200 cases, including six deaths. The district of Pissy, at the southern edge of the capital, was badly hit.

Some cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza have been reported, but only in birds thus far.

The country also suffers from a serious annual meningitis epidemic January-May. Several thousand cases are reported each season, and several hundred victims die--in the 2007 season, there were more than 1,600 deaths from meningitis. The disease spreads quickly and then is rapidly stopped by the start of the rainy season. Seek medical advice about the A, C and W135 strains of the disease before traveling to the region. While in the country, avoid crowds, both indoors and outdoors, as the disease is easily communicated.

Safe drinking water is scarce, and waterborne diseases are prevalent. Drink only boiled or bottled water, and remember to take adequate supplies of drinkable water if traveling in rural areas.

Burkina Faso is among the worst HIV/AIDS-affected countries in West Africa.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Cholera is usually contracted after consuming contaminated water or food. In areas where the disease is endemic, visitors should take care not to consume untreated water (including ice) or eat undercooked or raw foods, especially fish or shellfish. Stick to beverages and ice that are made from boiled or chlorinated water or that are carbonated. Foods that are cooked and served hot are usually safe. Fruits and vegetables that you wash with clean water and peel yourself also are generally safe. Don't assume that food and beverages served on airline flights, trains or vessels departing from affected areas are safe--items served on board the aircraft may have been locally obtained and could be contaminated. Seek medical assistance if you think you may have been exposed.

Waterborne diseases can cause a variety of serious health problems, including cholera, norovirus and amebiasis. In areas where chlorinated water is not available or where hygiene and sanitation are generally poor, you should consider both liquid water and ice unsafe. Stick to the following, which generally are considered safe: Beverages made with boiled water, such as tea and coffee; canned or bottled carbonated beverages; beer; and wine. It's usually safer to drink beverages directly from the bottle or can, but be sure to wipe off any water on the outside of the container. In areas where water may be contaminated, avoid brushing your teeth with tap water.

Additional information

Visitors to Burkina Faso must have a valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you will be vaccinated upon arrival.

Because of the poor road infrastructure and high crime rate, travel by land throughout Burkina Faso is hazardous, so exercise caution.

Road conditions

The few roads that do exist are in very bad condition--most are unpaved, narrow and full of potholes. At night, a high volume of truck traffic passes through the country. Pedestrians, bicycles and carts pose a major hazard on unlit, unmarked roads. There is no roadside assistance available.

Public transportation

Public transport vehicles should be avoided, as they are often overloaded and/or in bad mechanical condition.

If you take a taxi, don't assume that the driver knows how to reach your destination. Confirm this before setting off and make sure that the meter is switched on or that a price has been agreed to in advance.

Facilities for travelers are not widely available.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.