Burkina Faso is a high-risk operating environment where instability, movement restrictions and access challenges can all affect what meaningful insurance needs to do.
This is specialist cover designed for journalists, NGOs, contractors, researchers and operational teams working where standard insurance is often too limited.
What's included
Burkina Faso presents a difficult operating picture.
Instability and access issues can affect how work is carried out and how quickly support can be delivered. Real-world conditions can make standard policies less useful.
Yes — Conflict Cover provides specialist insurance for Burkina Faso.
Subject to full disclosure of your assignment, operating area and security arrangements. This cover is designed for journalists, NGO workers, contractors and other non-combatants who have a legitimate professional reason to be there.
Country context
The situation
Burkina Faso has experienced a catastrophic deterioration in its security environment since 2015, accelerated dramatically by the 2022 military coup and the subsequent expulsion of French forces. JNIM and ISGS now control an estimated 40-60% of Burkinabe territory, have besieged provincial capitals including Djibo and conduct attacks within striking distance of Ouagadougou.
The military junta has imposed severe restrictions on humanitarian organisations, expelled USAID, restricted media and enforced a communications blackout in conflict areas. VDP (Volunteer for the Defence of the Fatherland) militias operating alongside the junta have committed atrocities against civilians. The human rights situation is severe.
For non-combatants, Burkina Faso is now one of the most dangerous countries in West Africa for international operations. Ouagadougou itself has experienced attacks. Kidnapping of Western nationals, attacks on humanitarian convoys and expulsion of organisations have all occurred.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
JNIM territorial control and siege of provincial capitals
JNIM controls access routes to multiple Burkinabe provincial capitals. Supply convoys have been ambushed and besieged populations face famine conditions. International organisations trying to reach these areas face direct attack risk.
Attacks approaching the capital — Ouagadougou no longer safe
JNIM has conducted attacks within 30km of Ouagadougou. The capital can no longer be treated as a safe base. Evacuation routes from Ouagadougou require planning against the possibility of road closures.
Junta restrictions and hostility to international organisations
The junta has expelled USAID, restricted media and enforced blackouts in conflict areas. International organisations operate at the junta's tolerance, which can be withdrawn. Surveillance and detention of international staff has occurred.
Kidnapping of Western nationals by jihadist groups
JNIM has kidnapped Western nationals in Burkina Faso and adjacent countries. Western staff, particularly those working in conflict-affected areas, are specific targets. This is an active, documented risk.
Can you get insurance for Burkina Faso?
We provide specialist insurance for non-combatants travelling to Burkina Faso for professional and operational reasons.
Cover depends on full disclosure of the work, the location and the operating conditions involved.
Why this matters in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso presents a difficult operating picture because instability and access issues can affect how work is carried out and how quickly support can be delivered.
That is why specialist cover matters. It is designed for places where real-world conditions can make standard policies less useful.
Practical relevance
Cover for non-combatants working where instability and movement restrictions form part of the operating reality.
Medical treatment following an incident where local options are limited and coordinated support is needed.
Evacuation support where routes or local access may be restricted by security or infrastructure conditions.
Support for field teams operating in a security environment that can change quickly and unexpectedly.
Emergency support
NGS provides 24/7 support and can coordinate treatment, evacuation and onward care where required.
Continuity
Yes. Eligible personal accident benefits can continue after return, subject to the policy terms.
Exclusions
This policy protects people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
Common questions
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