Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Security in the West Africa in relation to travel Security in the West Africa in relation to travel
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree21Likes

Reply
Page 4 of 6 123 4 56
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #46  
Old 9 Jan 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 680
Hi Chris,

I don't follow that, as the Italian/Canadian were last seen on 15 December 2018 in Bobo.

The FCO are referencing a kidnapping close to the Ghana border in September 2018 - yet there is absolutely no mention of any such incident anywhere that I can find.

In September 2018 we know that a catholic priest was taken hostage in Niger (close to the Burkina border), and 3 mine workers were kidnapped in the north of Burkina (close to the Mali border). But nothing about an abduction in Burkina close to the Ghana border.

Anbody else able to find anything?
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 10 Jan 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Montreal
Posts: 250
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave The Hat View Post
Hi Chris,

I don't follow that, as the Italian/Canadian were last seen on 15 December 2018 in Bobo.

The FCO are referencing a kidnapping close to the Ghana border in September 2018 - yet there is absolutely no mention of any such incident anywhere that I can find.

In September 2018 we know that a catholic priest was taken hostage in Niger (close to the Burkina border), and 3 mine workers were kidnapped in the north of Burkina (close to the Mali border). But nothing about an abduction in Burkina close to the Ghana border.

Anbody else able to find anything?

I did not find anything on the kidnapping close to the Ghana border. It would be the kidnapping of 1 foreigner since the 3 kidnapped in the north were of nationalities: burkinabé, indian and south africain.

I would think that the kidnapping close to Ghana is false information. The website "garda.com" is excellent at posting any incident in countries and there is nothing about that kidnapping.

The other kidnappings in 2018 were locals.

Patrick
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 10 Jan 2019
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,813
Quote:
But nothing about an abduction in Burkina close to the Ghana border...
So maybe it was wrt the Italian priest and the FCO got the border country wrong.

Why not contact them to check.
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 10 Jan 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 680
Hi Chris,

Already contacted them but no response.

I was hoping somebody on here might recall this event but I'm pretty sure they've got the location wrong.

Cheers all!

David
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 14 Jan 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Nijmegen, the Netherlands
Posts: 6
wrong fco
Hi all,


"https://www.reuters.com/article/us-burkina-kidnapping/three-workers-reportedly-kidnapped-near-burkina-faso-gold-mine-idUSKCN1M42EN".


The company was from Ghana.


Bye the way:

Do not affiliate yourself with foreign goldmining companies in burkina faso.
There is a lot of anger in burkina regarding big companies mining cheap gold. Only 10 percent of the revenue stays in burkina faso.



Ofcourse the kidnappings are not ok.
Reply With Quote
  #51  
Old 14 Jan 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 680
Hi Wilmar,

Yes, we are all aware of the kidnapping of the 3 mine workers in September 2018. As we know this took place in the north of Burkina Faso - as detailed in the Reuters article you referenced.

The British FCO have also stated that there was a kidnapping in the south of Burkina, close to the Ghana border.

There is absolutely no reference to this incident anywhere on the internet.

In my email to the FCO to ask for clarity on this they said they can't offer specific information!

None of my contacts have any information about this incident near the Ghana border either.

So it's all a little mysterious...
Reply With Quote
  #52  
Old 15 Jan 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
The massacre at New Years Eve in Mali took place in Koulogon, which is in the southern part of the falaise in Pays Dogon. While not an islamist attack, it is part of the escalating violence happening in Mali, also affecting neighbouring countries
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-m...-idUSKCN1OV1RZ
Reply With Quote
  #53  
Old 15 Jan 2019
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,813
Security in the West Africa in relation to travel
The violence and kidnapping once common in the Sahara has spread down to the Sahel and West Africa in recent years (see here) but afaict, doesn't get reported much in the MSM.
It's a combination of Islamist attacks, IEDs, abductions and so on, plus an escalation in age-old inter-tribal (herder/farmer) feuding which has become more lethal.
This new thread has merged posts of such reports on HUBB for the last year or so.

To help keep this resource useful, distracting chat will be (re)moved.
Reply With Quote
  #54  
Old 15 Jan 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
Also New Years Eve there was similar strife between mossi and fulani north of Ouaga with many casualties. https://af.reuters.com/article/topNe...CN1OZ09Q-OZATP

Burkina appears unable to contain the spreading violence. Blaise Campaoré must have made a pact with the devil, since Burkina was comparatively peaceful for decades. Now there are disturbing reports from all corners of the country, with hunting lodges being burnt in SE, and animals including lions poached.
Reply With Quote
  #55  
Old 16 Jan 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Montreal
Posts: 250
Another Canadian Kidnapped in Burkina Faso
Yesterday, another Canadian got kidnapped in Burkina Faso close to the Niger border. He was not a traveller but working for a mine company.

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/20...u-burkina-faso

Patrick
Reply With Quote
  #56  
Old 17 Jan 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 293
White man found shot in Burkina
A mining guy disappeared 2 days ago, believed kidnapped ... No further information at the moment, will update with nationality and location when I hear more

RIP
Reply With Quote
  #57  
Old 17 Jan 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 293
As suspected, Canadian mine employee

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/can...dead-1.4981602
Reply With Quote
  #58  
Old 18 Jan 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
https://www.jeuneafrique.com/707417/...retrouve-mort/
The poor bloke probably put up some resistance and they shot him. His body found 15 kms NE of Gorom Gorom, near the Mali border. The abductors escaped towards Niger.


Four westerners kidnapped in Burkina since 2015 are still held hostage:

Iulian Ghergut Romanian April 2015
Dr Ken Elliot Aussie Jan 2016
An Indian and a South African September 2018

And the Italian/Canadian couple have been missing one month now, after leaving Bobo D for Ouaga.
Reply With Quote
  #59  
Old 13 Feb 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 293
As an addition to this, the social media group West Africa Travellers has a WhatsApp group with various local security officials and an EU Embassy Security Attache resident in the region and in the group watching us, willing to offer support to most EU and N.American nationals should the need arise.

Several weeks ago one member in the group and their family were camping near Banfora, woken at 0200 surrounded by men with guns, parents were forcefully separated from their children. They initially thought they were being kidnapped but it turned out to be the Burkinabe police (who are very jittery and will shoot first, ask questions later) thinking the family were jihadists.
Reply With Quote
  #60  
Old 4 May 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 293
Two French missing, northern Benin
Two French (tourists we believe) and their guide have gone missing in Parc Nationale de Pendjari in the north of Benin, it's now been 3 days.

Added to which, areas of Cotonou are fighting following the 'democratic' elections

Fingers firmly crossed all this calms down! I'm regularly updating in a social media group West Africa Travellers
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 4 of 6 123 4 56

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/sub-saharan-africa/security-west-africa-relation-travel-97070
Posted By For Type Date
Trans-Africa: Gerade Unterwegs... This thread Refback 29 Jan 2020 10:12

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Trans Africa via west + central, Jan 2015 gazza171 Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 28 Jul 2015 07:14
Current Border info From People on the ground for West Africa patdavey78 sub-Saharan Africa 9 26 Oct 2014 11:33
Driving in West Africa without an international license Equatorial Matty sub-Saharan Africa 14 9 Jan 2014 12:41
Plotting a route through West / Central Africa Equatorial Matty sub-Saharan Africa 2 6 Nov 2011 08:36
Paperwork? Africa trip, down the west coast and up the east Tgon65 Trip Paperwork 7 4 Nov 2011 12:08

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:22.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top