SECURITY ALERT: Threats Against Observers in Burkina Faso

Alert Summary

Date: February 5, 2023
Severity: High
Status: Repressed
Affected Area: Northern and Eastern Regions

Multiple credible threats have been reported against election observers in Burkina Faso, particularly in regions affected by ongoing security challenges.

Immediate Threats Identified

1. Direct Threats

• Written threats received by 3 observer organization leaders
• Verbal intimidation during field missions
• Anonymous phone calls warning observers to cease activities

2. Security Incidents

• Attempted break-in at observer organization office in Ouagadougou
• Vehicle followed during observer training session
• Suspicious individuals monitoring observer meetings

3. Regional Variations

• Northern Region: Highest threat level, multiple incidents reported
• Eastern Region: Moderate threats, increased surveillance noted
• Central Region: Lower threat level but vigilance required

Affected Organizations and Individuals

Primary Targets

• Citizens' Election Monitoring Network (CEMN): Director received written threats
• Women Observers Coalition: Training session disrupted
• Youth Election Watch: Office break-in attempted

Threat Patterns

• Organizations with international partnerships more frequently targeted
• Female observers facing gender-specific intimidation
• Regional coordinators at higher risk than field observers

Context and Background

Security Environment

• Ongoing insurgency in northern regions affecting civilian activities
• Increased military presence limiting movement in some areas
• General deterioration of security situation since 2022

Political Climate

• Tensions surrounding delayed election timeline
• Criticism of observer organizations by some government officials
• Polarized public discourse about international involvement

Impact on Observer Operations

Immediate Effects

• Suspension of field activities in high-risk areas
• Relocation of 2 observer organization offices
• Cancellation of planned training programs

Operational Changes

• Enhanced security protocols implemented
• Reduced team sizes for field missions
• Increased coordination with security forces

Risk Assessment by Region

Northern Provinces

• Risk Level: CRITICAL
• Recommendation: Suspend all observer activities
• Status: No observer presence currently

Eastern Provinces

• Risk Level: HIGH
• Recommendation: Limited activities with security escort
• Status: Reduced operations

Central and Western Areas

• Risk Level: MODERATE
• Recommendation: Enhanced security measures
• Status: Continued operations with precautions

Security Measures Implemented

Organization Level

1. Communication Security: Secure communication channels established
2. Travel Protocols: Mandatory check-ins every 4 hours during field work
3. Emergency Procedures: Updated evacuation and emergency response plans

Individual Level

1. Training: Security awareness training for all observers
2. Equipment: Provision of communication devices and safety equipment
3. Support: Psychological support services for affected staff

Government Response

Official Statements

• Government condemned threats against observers
• Promised investigation into reported incidents
• Assured protection for legitimate observer activities

Security Measures

• Increased police patrols around observer organization offices
• Dedicated contact person assigned for observer security concerns
• Regular security briefings offered to observer organizations

International Response

Diplomatic Missions

• EU delegation offered additional security support
• UN expressed concern about observer safety
• Regional embassies increased monitoring of situation

International Organizations

• African Union called for protection of observers
• ECOWAS offered technical assistance for security measures
• International observer missions reviewing deployment plans

Recommendations

For Observer Organizations

1. Security First: Prioritize staff safety over observation activities
2. Coordination: Enhance information sharing on security threats
3. Adaptation: Develop alternative monitoring methodologies

For Government

1. Investigation: Thorough investigation of all reported threats
2. Protection: Adequate protection measures for observer organizations
3. Dialogue: Regular consultation with civil society on security concerns

For International Partners

1. Support: Technical and financial support for enhanced security measures
2. Advocacy: Diplomatic pressure for observer protection
3. Coordination: Coordinated international response to threats

Monitoring and Updates

Reporting Mechanism

• 24-hour hotline established for threat reporting
• Weekly security briefings for observer organizations
• Real-time sharing of threat intelligence

Update Schedule

This alert will be updated:

• Immediately upon new serious threats
• Weekly security situation summaries
• Monthly comprehensive assessment

Contact Information

Emergency Contacts:

• Security Hotline: [Secure number]
• Regional Coordinator: [Encrypted contact]
• Embassy Emergency Line: [Diplomatic contact]

Non-Emergency:

• General Information: [Regular contact details]
• Media Inquiries: [Press contact]

Verification Sources

Information verified through:

• Direct reports from affected organizations
• Government security briefings
• International diplomatic sources
• Regional security monitoring networks

This alert is distributed on a need-to-know basis. Please do not share beyond authorized personnel to protect source security and ongoing investigations.