How safe is Burkina Faso

[Deleted]

My parents are heading there in a few months, in June or July, but with the recent events in Mali (biggest neighbor) and Al Qaeda in the border region, how safe is it really?

[Deleted]

According to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1075.html it's unstable. Visitable but nothing super safe.

[Butler to Baby Sloths]

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-...a/burkina-faso

There is a general threat from terrorism. There is a risk that kidnap activity may cross the northern borders from Mali and Niger. We advise against all travel to the area of Burkina Faso north of the town of Boulsa, 25 km north of the capital Ouagadougou, particularly those areas bordering Mali and Niger.

Demonstrations have taken place in towns and cities across Burkina Faso since February by discontented young Burkinabes and junior soldiers. Some have turned violent. You should avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

You should avoid all travel by road from Ouagadougou to Po due to the risk posed by bandits

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a general threat from terrorism in the Sahel region, and a risk that kidnap activity may cross the northern borders from Mali and Niger. We advise against all travel to the area of Burkina Faso north of the town of Boulsa, 25 km north of the capital Ouagadougou, particularly those areas bordering Mali and Niger.

Travel at night, especially outside towns, should be avoided. With a few exceptions, roads are poor with few street lights. There is the risk of banditry and also of hitting stray livestock. Road conditions off the main roads are often difficult, especially in the rainy season (June-September). Vehicles do not always have headlights and are often in unsound mechanical condition.

[chrisisvacant]

Well, good luck to your parents, then.

[Kasierith]

They should go with a group and a preestablished guide, ie not set up at the last minute but someone part of a legitimate and preferably transnational program.