The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended flights to the northwestern Burkina Faso town of Solle after an explosion near a chartered helicopter injured a crew member and a government official.
The blast occurred Tuesday shortly after the aircraft landed. Both injured individuals are receiving medical treatment, while the lightly damaged helicopter has been safely relocated. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with no group claiming responsibility.
The suspension comes as the WFP works to assist more than 300,000 people during Burkina Faso’s lean season, from June to August, when household food reserves run out. The agency urged all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and safeguard aid workers and humanitarian assets.
Burkina Faso, under military rule since two coups in 2022, continues to face deadly attacks from militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. In August 2023, a WFP helicopter delivering aid to Djibo came under fire, though no one was hurt.