Burkina

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…

Burkina Faso says it has thwarted an assassination plot against military leader Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, alleging the operation was orchestrated by Lt. Col. Paul Henri Damiba — the officer Traoré ousted in a 2022 coup — and financed in part from neighboring Ivory Coast. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the discovery late Wednesday, saying intelligence services “intercepted this operation in the final hours.” He said the plan aimed to kill the head of state and strike “other key institutions, including civilian…

Mali and Burkina Faso said they will bar entry to U.S. citizens in direct response to a new Trump administration travel ban, invoking reciprocity after Washington expanded its list of restricted countries earlier this month. In separate statements from their foreign ministries, the two West African governments said the U.S. decision had left them no choice but to mirror the measure. The White House announced on Dec. 16 that President Donald Trump was adding Mali, Burkina Faso and five other countries to a list subject to a…

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger form NATO-style military alliance to fight Sahel insurgents BAMAKO, Mali — Dec. 22 — Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced a NATO-style military alliance on Friday and unveiled a 5,000-strong joint force to combat Islamist insurgents that have destabilized large swaths of the Sahel. Officials from the three countries said the alliance is designed to strengthen security cooperation, safeguard porous borders and enhance collective military capabilities as al-Qaida and Islamic State affiliates step…

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…

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…

Shifting Sands: The Exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the ICC In an unprecedented move that echoes through the annals of international justice, the West African states of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have officially withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This dramatic decision, announced by the military-led governments of these nations, underscores a growing sentiment in the region: a rejection of what they describe as "neocolonial repression" wielded by international bodies. The implications are…

Burkina Faso's Bold Move: Visa-Free Travel for African Citizens In a significant stride towards Pan-African integration, Burkina Faso has announced the elimination of visa fees for all African travelers. This refreshing decision, articulated by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, aims to foster the free movement of people and goods across the continent—a dream long cherished by many as a pillar of the African Union's agenda. The Vision Behind the Decision Burkina Faso's new policy envisions a continent less shackled by…

Burkina Faso's Controversial Step Backward: The New Anti-Homosexuality Law In a rapid and unsettling turn of events, Burkina Faso's transitional parliament has unanimously passed a bill that criminalizes homosexual acts, placing the West African nation in a club of over 30 African countries where same-sex relations are outlawed. The new law imposes harsh penalties, including prison sentences ranging from two to five years, fines, and even the threat of deportation for foreign nationals caught violating its provisions. This…

Burkina Faso’s Junta Expels UN Official Amid Controversy Over Child Recruitment Report In a bold and highly controversial move, Burkina Faso’s military junta has declared Carol Flore-Smereczniak, the top United Nations official in the country, “persona non grata.” This expulsion underscores the growing tensions between the military government and international organizations amid an escalating humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing jihadist conflict. The immediate catalyst for this decision was a report that called…