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Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked state and one of the poorest and most volatile in Africa. The country is reeling from jihadist violence that swept in from neighboring Mali in 2015.

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All Content on this topic

Wagner mercenaries in military uniform walking along a street

Wagner mercenaries in military uniform walking along a street

Russia's influence in Africa may weaken after Assad's fall

Russia fears for its bases in Syria and elsewhere after the ousting of dictator Bashar Assad, a Kremlin ally.

Emmanuel Macron waves from an open car, standing in front of Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo

Emmanuel Macron waves from an open car, standing in front of Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo

With 'ungrateful' swipe, Macron further alienates Africa

A recent speech by President Emmanuel Macron might deepen the divide between France and its former African colonies.

Südafrika Johannesburg BRICS-Gipfel 2018 | Teilnehmer Erdogan

Südafrika Johannesburg BRICS-Gipfel 2018 | Teilnehmer Erdogan

Putin marks 25 years: What's Russia-Africa relationship?

Experts analyze his Russia's influence across Africa. What is Russia’s historical relationship with Africa?

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

ECOWAS gives junta-led states 6 months to rethink exit

Eddy Micah Jr explores what could happen next and the potential economic, political and social consequences.

From left to right: Mali's Assimi Goita, Niger's General Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso's Captain Ibrahim Traore, standing next to each other in their respective military uniforms

From left to right: Mali's Assimi Goita, Niger's General Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso's Captain Ibrahim Traore, standing next to each other in their respective military uniforms

Sahel juntas make life more difficult for human rights NGOs

Critical reporting on human rights are a problem for junta leaders, who claim the reports damage national security.

Ghana's President-elect John Mahama

Ghana's President-elect John Mahama

Ghana: Mahama eyes economic reforms amid crises

President-elect John Mahama has warned that Ghana is not immune to the instability affecting many of its neighbors.

West African Leaders and officials attend he 66th ordinary session of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, on December 15, 2024

West African Leaders and officials attend he 66th ordinary session of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, on December 15, 2024

African coup-hit states get more time to rethink ECOWAS exit

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had military coups in recent years and plan to leave the West African region bloc.

Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo

Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo

Burkina Faso junta names new PM after dismissing government

Burkina Faso's junta head has appointed a new premier, one day after dissolving the government.

Burkina Faso Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela

Burkina Faso Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela

Burkina Faso military junta dissolves government

Burkina Faso's ruling military junta has dismissed Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela.

The icon of the X app, formerly known as Twitter, as displayed on an app store

The icon of the X app, formerly known as Twitter, as displayed on an app store

How West Africa is fighting disinformation

Disinformation on West African social networks is surging, particularly in the coup-hit Sahel region.

Photos of the leaders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré, from left to right.

Photos of the leaders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré, from left to right.

Rising discontent with military juntas in the Sahel region

Activists are condemning the juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger for failing to keep their promises.

Burkina Faso's transition President Ibrahim Traore

Burkina Faso's transition President Ibrahim Traore

'Betraying each other': Burkina Faso bishop on terror attack

Bishop Theophile Nare, who presides over Barsalogho, spoke about how to end the violence in Burkina Faso.

Burkinabe Interim President Ibrahim Traore speak into a microphone

Burkinabe Interim President Ibrahim Traore speak into a microphone

Burkina Faso vows 'determined response' against terrorists

After the deadly attack in Barsalogho, Burkina Faso promises a decisive counterstrike.

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani and Ibrahim Traore

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani and Ibrahim Traore

West African junta leaders rule out rejoining ECOWAS

The military rulers of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger quit the regional bloc in January, accusing France of interference.

A Nigerien soldier drinks water from a water pipe in Niamey, Niger

A Nigerien soldier drinks water from a water pipe in Niamey, Niger

Sahel: Navigating Germany's development cooperation

Grassroots groups and German partners are seeking renewed cooperation amid the military juntas in Africa's Sahel region.

A refugee woman holding a little girl

A refugee woman holding a little girl

Burkina Faso world's worst forgotten crisis: report

The Norwegian Refugee Council says a chronic lack of funding has led to the neglect of millions of people.

Burkina Faso coup leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore

Burkina Faso coup leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore

Burkina Faso's junta extends rule for another five years

The army has ruled Burkina Faso since 2022, a country ravaged by growing attacks by Islamist militants.

A closeup of a person's hand holding an orange microphone

A closeup of a person's hand holding an orange microphone

Can Burkina Faso's citizen journalists replace the media?

Burkina Faso's military junta has suspended several international media organizations, including DW.

A mural depicts the silhouette of five men in different poses holding weapons.

A mural depicts the silhouette of five men in different poses holding weapons.

Why Burkina Faso is muzzling foreign media

Burkina Faso's military junta has suspended more international media, including DW.

File picture two soldiers standing in a church in Burkina Faso

File picture two soldiers standing in a church in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso dismisses HRW massacre report as 'baseless'

Human Rights Watch had accused Burkina Faso's military of mass killings, including scores of children.

Kenia | Überschwemmung Nairobi

Kenia | Überschwemmung Nairobi

AfricaLink on Air — 25 April 2024

Burkina Faso’s army summarily executed 223 civilians – HRW +++ Flooding in East Africa

Soldiers escort a military convoy down a road in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Soldiers escort a military convoy down a road in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso: Army accused of executing civilians, babies

Soldiers in Burkina Faso killed 223 people in a pair of villages, according to a report from Human Rights Watch.

Leaders of ECOWAS countries pose on a red carpet at a summit in Abuja

Leaders of ECOWAS countries pose on a red carpet at a summit in Abuja

ECOWAS is under pressure to reform

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is in crisis mode and observers are calling for profound reforms.

President of Chad's Transition Council Mahamat Idriss Deby looks on as he attends the 63rd Independence Day celebrations

President of Chad's Transition Council Mahamat Idriss Deby looks on as he attends the 63rd Independence Day celebrations

Chad: What to expect from the presidential election

Mahamat Idriss Deby, who has pursued stronger ties with France in recent years, is likely to win the vote on May 6.

Soldiers pictured at Niger's National Guard's training center in Niamey in May 2023

Soldiers pictured at Niger's National Guard's training center in Niamey in May 2023

West African juntas set up joint anti-terrorism force

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali are planning on a joint force to "overcome the security challenges" facing the countries.

Russland Ibrahim Traore

Russland Ibrahim Traore

AfricaLink on Air - 04 March 2024

German minister warns of Russian influence+++Security situation in the Sahel+++Rwanda probes sexual abuse allegations

Burkina Faso soldiers

Burkina Faso soldiers

Burkina Faso: 170 people 'executed' in attacks on villages

A number of other deadly attacks took place around the country on the same day.

Svenja Schulze speaks with two African women

Svenja Schulze speaks with two African women

Germany aims to confront extremism in Sahel region

In Burkina Faso, Development Minister Schulze wants to show a willingness to speak with the ruling military junta.

Several men hold up Burkinabe and Russian flag during a demostration

Several men hold up Burkinabe and Russian flag during a demostration

After Wagner, Russia makes new military plans in Africa

With the collapse of the Wagner Group, Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a new Africa Corps.

Senegal's President Macky Sall delivers a statement as he stands in front of the Senegalese flag.

Senegal's President Macky Sall delivers a statement as he stands in front of the Senegalese flag.

Senegal: Why has President Macky Sall postponed elections?

Senegal’s President Macky Sall's announcement to postpone elections sparked protests in the country.

Nigeria | ECOWAS-Staatsoberhäupter in Abuja 2023 | Regionale Zusammenarbeit

Nigeria | ECOWAS-Staatsoberhäupter in Abuja 2023 | Regionale Zusammenarbeit

Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger exit ECOWAS

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announce exit from ECOWAS+++Insecurity in the Sahel could deteriorate, analysts tell DW.

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

ECOWAS: What next after Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso quit?

The withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc has set fire to the already strained relations.

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo looks on during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo looks on during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ECOWAS 'weaker' as Sahel trio quit the bloc

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have cut ties with ECOWAS, a key body in a region hit by coups and security crises.

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

AfricaLink on Air - 29 January 2024

Military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announce their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS

A general view of attendees during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Head of States and Government ordinary session in Abuja in December 2023

A general view of attendees during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Head of States and Government ordinary session in Abuja in December 2023

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger quit ECOWAS

The leaders of the three Sahel nations siad it was a "sovereign decision" to leave the regional bloc "without delay."

Boris Pistorius, Svenja Schulze, Bundeswehr soldiers and a Bundeswehr plane in Gao

Boris Pistorius, Svenja Schulze, Bundeswehr soldiers and a Bundeswehr plane in Gao

Should Germany expand strategic partnerships in the Sahel?

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are all governed by military regimes. How can Germany continue its involvement there?

A man squats on his haunches near a hole in the ground and trees

A man squats on his haunches near a hole in the ground and trees

Senegal's gold rush: More wealth, but at what cost?

Mining in Senegal is an economic boon for the region, but mounting instability in Mali makes it vulnerable, too.

A man waves a Burkina Faso flag as others demonstrate

A man waves a Burkina Faso flag as others demonstrate

Burkina Faso's youth utilize free-speech sanctuaries

Away from classrooms, Burkina Faso's 'grins de thé' are where the hottest debates take place — over cups of tea.

A Malian soldier

A Malian soldier

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger alliance faces uphill task

Junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger want to form a new alliance but experts urge them to mend ties with ECOWAS.

French trained troops on the back of a truck on Burkina Faso during operation Barkhane

French trained troops on the back of a truck on Burkina Faso during operation Barkhane

Burkina Faso, Niger pull out of regional G5 Sahel force

Military juntas in the two countries decided to ditch the France-supported alliance fighting the insurgency in Sahel.

Benin | Desertification in Benin

Benin | Desertification in Benin

Global conflicts overshadowing African desertification

Africans discussing desertification in Uzbekistan called for more funds to offset the effects of climate change.

Burkina Faso junta's soldiers stand guard in an armoured vehicle in Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso junta's soldiers stand guard in an armoured vehicle in Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso: Rights groups slam conscription of critics

Rights groups say the Burkinabe junta is using its "general mobilization" as a strategy to silence dissenting voices.

A man stands in front of a photo of a nuclear plant

A man stands in front of a photo of a nuclear plant

Are Mali's nuclear power plans a pipe dream?

Mali has announced plans to build several nuclear power plants in cooperation with Russian energy firm Rosatom.

US President Joe Biden shakes hands with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

US President Joe Biden shakes hands with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

Can African leaders extend the US-Africa trade program?

Delegates at a US-Africa trade summit are mulling the future of Washington's flagship trade program for the continent.

A person windsurfing passes across waves in front of the South African power utility Eskom's Koeberg Nuclear Power Station at Mekbosstrand, in Cape Town, South Africa.

A person windsurfing passes across waves in front of the South African power utility Eskom's Koeberg Nuclear Power Station at Mekbosstrand, in Cape Town, South Africa.

Why Africa relies on nuclear energy rather than solar energy

Many African countries are looking toward nuclear power to solve electrification challenges, but experts are worried.

AJunta leaders Assimi Goita (Mali), Abdourahamane Tiani (Niger), and Ibrahim Traoré (Burkina Faso)

AJunta leaders Assimi Goita (Mali), Abdourahamane Tiani (Niger), and Ibrahim Traoré (Burkina Faso)

Sahel: Military regimes under pressure to succeed

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a mutual defense pact last month, but the security situation remains fragile.

Burkina Faso military leader Ibrahim Traore speaks during meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Strel'na outside Saint Petersburg

Burkina Faso military leader Ibrahim Traore speaks during meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Strel'na outside Saint Petersburg

Burkina Faso: Elections not a 'priority,' junta leader says

Burkina Faso's military leadership had previously promised presidential elections by July 2024.

Burkina Faso, Ouagadoudou | Ibrahim Traore

Burkina Faso, Ouagadoudou | Ibrahim Traore

AfricaLink on Air -28 September 2023

Burkina Faso coup attempt +++ Two women activists from Africa presented with this year’s Right Livelihood Award

Soldiers of the Forces Armees Maliennes of the G5 Sahel sitting in a pick-up truck

Soldiers of the Forces Armees Maliennes of the G5 Sahel sitting in a pick-up truck

Africa's Sahel region: Has the G5 Sahel run its course?

The G5 Sahel has been mobilizing to fight extremists in the Sahel region — but it now faces a threat from a new group.

USA New York | Vereinte Nationen | Nachhaltigkeitsgipfel | Antonio Guterres, UN-Generalsekretär

USA New York | Vereinte Nationen | Nachhaltigkeitsgipfel | Antonio Guterres, UN-Generalsekretär

AfricaLink on Air — 18 September 2023

Several African leaders in New York for the annual UN General Assembly