The Burkina Faso junta has issued a stern warning to its citizens, urging them to be on high alert for suspicious activities and individuals as the country grapples with a protracted insurgency.
In a statement released on Thursday, the security ministry emphasized the importance of public vigilance, calling on citizens to report any unusual behavior or objects to authorities.
To bolster security measures, the junta has advised residents to avoid prolonged parking near sensitive government installations and refrain from taking photographs of such sites.
The statement also highlighted the critical role of information security, urging citizens to avoid sharing details about security forces’ positions or strategic routes that could potentially aid terrorist attacks.
Furthermore, the security ministry has recommended that landlords exercise caution when renting out properties, emphasizing the need to thoroughly vet potential tenants.
These heightened security measures come as the junta faces growing criticism from human rights organizations over its approach to combating the insurgency.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused the military government of kidnapping and forcibly conscripting civilians, raising concerns about the human rights implications of the government’s counterterrorism efforts.
The Sahel region as a whole has been plagued by violence for over a decade, with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger bearing the brunt of the attacks.
Despite concerted efforts by regional forces and international partners, the insurgency continues to pose a significant threat to stability and security in the region.
The ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced from their homes and facing food shortages and other hardships.