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Burkina Faso grounds Gates-backed mosquito project amid sovereignty, ethics row

Burkina Faso’s military-led government has suspended the controversial Target Malaria initiative, a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation–funded project aimed at combating malaria through the release of genetically modified mosquitoes. Announced Friday (22 August) by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the decision halts all activities and orders the destruction of remaining mosquito samples. Project […]

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Burkina Faso deepens military ties with China in major defense upgrade

Burkina Faso has received a significant shipment of Chinese-manufactured military equipment, marking a notable step in its armed forces’ modernization and further consolidating Beijing’s growing defense footprint across Africa. The delivery, unveiled via social media and confirmed by defense analysts, includes VN22B wheeled fire support vehicles, PLL-05 120mm self-propelled gun-mortars, and SR5 multiple rocket launch […]

Africa Features Headlines International

Burkina Faso military gov’t accuses Ivory Coast of foiled coup plot against junta leader

Burkina Faso’s military government claims it has thwarted a coup plot aimed at toppling junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, alleging foreign involvement and links to terrorism. Security minister Mahamadou Sana said the plan, uncovered by intelligence services, involved current and former soldiers collaborating with terrorist groups. The coup attempt was scheduled for 16 April and […]

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Burkinabe junta’s security strategy of recruiting cheap militiamen backfires — NYT report

By arming civilians who are poorly trained and have little to no respect for human rights, Burkina Faso’s junta-led government has brought the West African nation that once prided itself on tolerance and peaceful interethnic relations to the brink of civil war, says a latest report by The New York Times (NYT). A West Africa […]

Africa Headlines International

Russian ‘Bear Brigade’ troops exit Burkina Faso due to Ukraine’s Kursk incursion

The Russian private military company Bear Brigade has confirmed earlier reports by the French daily Le Monde that it had departed from Burkina Faso after arriving in the country in May. The 100-strong Bear Brigade, with links to Russia’s Defense Ministry, is withdrawing its fighters from the conflict-torn West African country due to Ukraine’s incursion […]

Africa Headlines International

Burkina Faso’s junta says coup attempt thwarted, plotters arrested or on run

A coup attempt against Burkina Faso’s military government has been thwarted by the country’s security and intelligence services, authorities have announced, with a military prosecutor saying four of the plotters were arrested and two others are on the run. Burkina Faso’s junta leadership said Wednesday (27 September) it had foiled a coup attempt the previous […]

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Burkina Faso introduces new taxes to raise fund to fight terrorism

Burkina Faso has introduced new taxes including levies on telephone services in a bid to raise funds to be used in the fight against terrorism, the West African country’s news agency (AIB) announced. Aboubakar Nacanabo, the Minister of Economy announced the taxes on telephone services, re-subscription of private cable television channels and sale of land […]

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IMF vows endorsement to political, institutional reforms in Burkina Faso

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Monday June 26, threw its support behind the ongoing institutional and political reforms in Burkina Faso, adding that it can provide funding for the transitional process. Martin Schindler, Deputy Division & Mission Chief of the Washington-based institution underlined the support during a meeting with the transitional leader of the West […]

Africa International

Burkina Faso not planning to hire Russia’s Wagner mercenaries like Mali

Burkina Faso’s interim President Ibrahim Traore has assured US diplomats that he has no intention of inviting mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group to fight militants in the country, US under secretary for political affairs Victoria Nuland said on Wednesday (26 October). Western powers have expressed a concern that Burkina Faso might follow the lead of […]

Africa International

Burkina Faso: Ibrahim Traoré to be inaugurated President of Transition Friday

The Constitutional Council in Burkina Faso announced that the leader of the junta in power in the country Ibrahim Traore will be sworn in on Friday as the President of the transition, less than a month after seizing power. The Constitutional Council “takes note of the resignation” of Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, author of a […]