Burkina Faso

U.S. Diplomat Visits Mali to Revitalize Bilateral Ties Amid Regional Security Concerns The newly appointed head of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of African Affairs, Nick Checker, has embarked on a pivotal visit to Mali aimed at revitalizing bilateral cooperation between the United States and the West African nation. This visit is underscored by a commitment to establish "new foundations, mutual respect, and the absence of any form of interference," signaling a shift in diplomatic priorities. Accompanying Checker's…

Burkina Faso's Political Dismantling: A New Path to Unity? Burkina Faso's military government has dissolved all political parties in a move to restructure its political landscape. This significant step comes amid ongoing challenges and aims to harmonize governance and cohesion in the country. The decree was issued during a Cabinet meeting, emphasizing national unity. All political party assets are to be transferred to the state for reform purposes. A draft law will repeal existing party financing and operational…

Military Government Dissolves Political Parties, Citing Unity and Stability The military-led government has taken the drastic step of dissolving all political parties by decree, effectively terminating their ability to operate, even internally. This bold move, announced by Interior Minister Emile Zerbo, is portrayed as a necessary action aimed at addressing the proliferation of political factions that, according to officials, have led to abuses, aggravated societal divisions, and ultimately weakened the nation's social…

CPJ Urges Mali to Lift Ban on Jeune Afrique as Media Repression Grows The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Malian authorities to reverse a ban on the privately owned French magazine, Jeune Afrique. The publication faced accusations of "glorifying terrorism" and engaging in "defamation and incitement to hatred," marking a worrying trend for media freedom in the region. This latest move follows a succession of bans on French media by the Alliance of Sahel States—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina…

Contradictions in CAR’s Political Landscape: A New Era or a Cycle of Conflict? The Central African Republic (CAR) stands at a pivotal juncture following the recent elections, which have been marred by violence and turmoil. Reports indicate that clashes erupted as a militia—initially formed with backing from Russia—turned against the government. This alarming development raises questions about the stability of the nation and the broader implications for the region. In the midst of this chaos, President Faustin-Archange…

The International Crisis Group (ICG) has highlighted three critical conflicts in Africa that are poised to carry into 2026, following a tumultuous year marred by violence and instability. The ICG's "conflicts to watch" report names Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the volatile situation in Mali and Burkina Faso as focal points that require immediate international attention. Having faced a devastating escalation in violence throughout 2025, these regions find themselves at a pivotal juncture. Sudan, under the shadow of a…

Nigerian Air Force Clarifies C-130 Landing in Burkina Faso Amid Controversy The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that the landing of its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso was a precautionary measure due to safety concerns stemming from a "technical issue" encountered during its operations. This clarification follows reports suggesting that the aircraft’s landing had sparked tensions between Nigeria and the Burkinabe government, raising accusations of airspace violations. The incident occurred on Monday and quickly…

Benin Foils Attempted Coup with Regional Support Amid a surge of military takeovers in West Africa, Benin successfully thwarted an attempted coup with assistance from regional allies. The president assured stability despite an early morning crisis. President Patrice Talon confirmed the situation is under control. Nigerian forces provided critical support to counter the coup. A troubling pattern of coups has developed in West Africa. Swift Response to Crisis On Sunday, Benin experienced a coup attempt when…

Burkina Faso's Human Rights Crisis: The Detention of Aid Workers Raises Alarm In the heart of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital, a troubling storm is brewing that threatens not only the humanitarian efforts crucial to the nation but also the very fabric of its governance. Recently, several aid workers from a Netherlands-based non-governmental organization (NGO) found themselves enveloped in a web of serious accusations, as the government detained them on charges of spying and treason. This incident has raised serious…

A Changing Sahel: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Withdraw from the ICC In a significant geopolitical shift, the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have declared their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Describing the institution as a "neo-colonial" tool wielded by imperialist powers, these West African nations are charting a new course in their foreign policy. A New Alliance Against the West The juntas that have risen to power in these countries between 2020 and 2023 have allied…