Burkina Faso: Navigating danger and discovery
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 4
- 5 min read
Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in West Africa, offers travelers a rich cultural tapestry and striking natural landscapes.
From the music-filled streets of Bobo-Dioulasso to the dramatic rock formations of Sindou, the country has long intrigued adventurous visitors. But today, the allure of Burkina Faso is overshadowed by significant and worsening security challenges. Burkina Faso is a nation of contrasts—of striking beauty and stark danger. While its cultural and natural wonders continue to inspire curiosity, the current security environment makes travel extremely risky. Until stability returns, would-be visitors are advised to stay away or take extraordinary precautions.
Escalating threats: Terrorism, crime, and kidnapping
As of 2025, Burkina Faso is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for travelers. Terrorist groups like Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) are active across much of the country. These groups frequently attack military targets, civilians, aid workers, and foreign nationals. Recent years have seen major attacks, including the killing of over 100 soldiers at a military base near the Niger border.
Kidnappings are widespread and often target foreigners. Criminal networks also pose serious risks, especially in rural and border areas. Armed robbery, carjacking, and violence against civilians are frequent, and police presence is limited or ineffective in many areas.
Strong warnings from around the world
Numerous governments now advise against any travel to Burkina Faso:
United States: Level 4 – Do not travel.
Canada: Avoid all travel.
United Kingdom: Advise against all travel, except essential trips to the capital Ouagadougou.
Australia: Do not travel due to extremely high threats of terrorism and crime.
These warnings are based on extensive security assessments and real-time intelligence. The situation is highly unstable and unpredictable.
Displacement of over 2.1 million individuals
Burkina Faso is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with approximately 5.9 million people in need of assistance as of 2025. The nation is grappling with escalating violence, leading to the displacement of over 2.1 million individuals, nearly 10% of the population.
Summary
As of April 2025, Burkina Faso faces a dire humanitarian crisis alongside escalating security concerns.
Humanitarian situation
Displacement: Over 2.1 million individuals, nearly 10% of the population, have been internally displaced due to ongoing violence and instability.
Food Insecurity: Approximately 5.9 million people require humanitarian assistance, with many facing acute food shortages.
Impact on Children: UNICEF has appealed for $255.1 million to provide life-saving aid to children and families affected by the crisis.
No election scheduled
As of April 2025, Burkina Faso is led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who assumed power following a coup d'état in September 2022. At 36 years old, Traoré is one of the world's youngest presidents having overthrown Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, who himself had seized power earlier that year. Before his ascent, Traoré was involved in special counterterrorism operations in northern Burkina Faso.
The political landscape under Traoré has been marked by efforts to consolidate power amidst ongoing security challenges. In May 2024, national consultations extended his mandate by five years, allowing him to contest future presidential elections. Despite these measures, the government continues to grapple with extremist violence, with reports indicating a significant increase in fatalities linked to insurgent activities.
The human rights situation in Burkina Faso has deteriorated significantly. In 2024, there was a surge in attacks by Islamist armed groups against civilians, alongside reports of abuses committed by military forces and pro-government militias during counterinsurgency operations. The United Nations Human Rights Chief has expressed concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians. As of April 2025, Burkina Faso does not have any scheduled elections in the near future.
Travel advice for unavoidable visits
If you must travel to Burkina Faso, consider these essential safety steps:
Stay constantly informed through local news and official government updates.
Avoid unnecessary movements and never travel at night.
Use only secure accommodations with strong safety protocols.
Have emergency contacts ready, including your country’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Follow strict health precautions, including vaccinations and anti-malarial medication.
Even in the capital, where the presence of international embassies provides a slightly more secure environment, danger remains high.
The beauty behind the borders
Despite the turmoil, Burkina Faso remains a place of deep cultural and natural value. Some of its most well-known attractions include:
Ouagadougou: The cultural heart of the country, home to Africa’s most important film festival (FESPACO).
Bobo-Dioulasso: A historic city rich in music, crafts, and colonial-era architecture.
Sindou Peaks: Surreal rock formations offering hiking and panoramic views.
Ruins of Loropéni: A UNESCO-listed site with ancient stone walls from the trans-Saharan gold trade.
Karfiguéla Waterfalls: Beautiful cascades near Banfora, popular during the rainy season.
Mare aux Hippopotames: A protected biosphere reserve with hippos and migratory birds.
Tourism in decline
Due to ongoing violence and instability, tourism in Burkina Faso has dramatically declined. In 2007, the country received more than 280,000 international visitors. By 2020, that number had dropped to around 67,000. Recovery has been slow, with modest gains projected for future years, but far below past highs. Most tourists now come for work, aid, or diplomatic missions rather than leisure.
