On 15 March 2025, volunteer fighters (VDP) clashed with an armed group (likely JNIM militants, based on location), north of Nohao (Bittou, Boulgou). There were no casualties.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

Summary

On March 15, 2025, an armed clash occurred between government volunteer forces (VDP) and suspected JNIM militants north of Nohao in the Bitou area of Bougouriba Province, Burkina Faso. While there were no casualties, this represents a medium-grade armed conflict incident demonstrating ongoing security instability within the Sahel region.

Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural supply chains: Burkina Faso is a major West African producer of cotton and sesame, with security deterioration in the southeastern Bougouriba region posing potential risks to agricultural production and export logistics
• Regional transport networks: Bitou is a transportation hub adjacent to the Togo-Ghana border, with continued armed conflict potentially affecting transport security on nearby connecting roads
• Gold mining operations: Burkina Faso is one of Africa's major gold producers, with southeastern regional security instability creating indirect risks to mining operations and gold export routes
• Humanitarian logistics: Concerns over constraints on relief supply deliveries and civilian movement if armed conflict areas expand

Watch points

• Whether Islamic militant groups like JNIM expand activities within Bougouriba Province and trends in additional clashes with government forces
• Security situation changes on the main Bitou-Ouagadougou road (N4) and Togo border crossing points, and whether logistics transport disruptions occur