On Tuesday morning, March 24, 2026, a dense blanket of dust enveloped the Burkinabe capital, Ouagadougou, causing significant traffic disruptions and a sharp decline in visibility.
The National Meteorological Agency (ANAM) responded by issuing a nationwide alert, noting that visibility in several regions has dropped below 500 meters.
Originating from the north, this intense dust plume is expected to persist across most of Burkina Faso through Wednesday. In the early hours, residents were seen navigating the thick atmosphere using full-face helmets, medical masks, and scarves to protect against the high concentration of particulate matter.
ANAM has officially advised the public to limit non-essential travel and exercise extreme caution while driving. Health officials have placed particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups—including children and the elderly—as air quality reaches hazardous levels. This episode, a hallmark of the Harmattan season in the Sahel, continues to impact public health and regional transportation networks.
HO/te/Sf/fss/abj/APA