The government of Burkina Faso continues to face growing attacks and social unrest. In Ouagadougou, the capital, the Kwame Nkrumah street is being less and less frequented, even on weekends. Despite the presence of security forces, people still fear going down this road.
“Since the latest attack happened, people fear to come here,” said a man working at a drinking spot. Hotels around the area also report that their turnover has declined and that attendance rates are low.
But that does not mean the capital of Burkina Faso has stopped living, fortunately. People continue to enjoy life in neighborhoods. There are some small bars that continue to make them happy and many entertainment points are open as well.
Similarly, in the housing sector, tourists now fear staying in big hotels. They prefer guest houses or Airbnb houses that offer, in addition to hotel services, the discretion and security they need.
“Many people prefer this type of place, which is very friendly and above all discreet, and we meet such requirements,” said the manager of one of these establishments. Until a sustainable solution is found, people are trying to adapt to the situation. “What do we do? We are already born, we will only live with what comes,” they say.
In March 2018, armed groups attacked the regular army’s general headquarters in the downtown and killed eight people. In the face of the escalating attacks, President Roch Marc Kabore has met with his counterparts in the G5 Sahel to discuss the issue and deploy appropriate measures. According to observers, only large-scale economic solutions could reduce this problem. And on that point, despite many advances, Burkina Faso will still have to make a lot of efforts.
Idriss Linge, in Ouagadougou