To prevent Islamist attacks in the Sahel region, a curfew has been implemented in Burkina Faso’s northern region as well as two other provinces.
A note from Kouilga Albert Zongo, secretary general of the governorate of the northern region, stated that a curfew had been implemented throughout the region from Friday, March 3, until Friday, March 31, as part of the fight against terrorism.
He urged people to “strictly obey this decision by staying at home at the hours and dates stated.” “People, four and two-wheeled cars, tricycles (three-wheeled vehicles), and bicycles are officially prohibited during this period,” he said.
The measure, in Mr. Zongo’s opinion, is intended to make military operations in this Mali border region easier.
According to comments from local officials, curfews have also been implemented in two provinces: Koulpelogo in the Centre-East area, which borders Ghana and Togo, for the full month of March, and Bam in the Centre-North region, which will be in effect from March 5 to March 20.
The Eastern region’s midnight to 4:00 a.m. curfew, in place since 2019, was extended in the middle of February for a further three months, ending on May 21 inclusive.
Burkina Faso has stepped up its efforts to combat jihadist violence, especially after calling for the withdrawal of French forces from Operation Sabre, which have been stationed there since 2009 without yielding any results.
Since 2022, the French presence has come under more scrutiny in Burkina Faso as well as many other African countries who want to reclaim their sovereignty.
The defense agreement between Burkinabe and French authorities, which had permitted Operation Sabre’s special troops to be stationed at the Kamboinsin facility, was cancelled on February 24. The nearby Niger, which already has close to 2,000 French personnel, might receive the soldiers of the Sabre task group.
