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Burkina Faso

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Burkina Faso. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Ouagadougou

Head of State

Interim President Ibrahim Traoré

Head of Government

Prime Minister Apollinaire J. Kyélem de Tambèla

A monument for the Malian army in Bamako. Over the weekend, separatist rebels as well as jihadists launched the largest assault on the country in nearly 15 years. Photo: AFP

Africa

Mali turmoil tests Russia’s image as a security guarantor in Africa

Large-scale attacks targeting Mali’s military government pose a serious threat to Russian strategic and economic interests.

30 Apr 2026 - 2:02PM

Africa

Mali’s junta in crisis as defence minister is killed in massive coordinated attacks

27 Apr 2026 - 4:00PM

Africa

Mali junta reports ‘terrorist’ attacks on several targets

25 Apr 2026 - 9:19PM

China-Africa relations

War of words: China and the US battle it out for African hearts and minds

Rivalry between two global superpowers spills into the media as East meets West head-on in a clash of narratives to win over the continent.

12 Apr 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

The battle is on to win over Africa with China and the US wielding their influence through their nation’s media with each superpower pushing narratives designed to denigrate each other. Photo: AFP

Mainland China

China’s looted heritage campaign: assertive, ambitious – and complicated

As the United States steps back from cultural governance, China aims to reshape how the world reclaims looted heritage – with Japan its biggest test.

29 Mar 2026 - 6:17AM

China-Africa relations

How a ‘military vacuum’ in West and Central Africa opened new markets for China

Beijing has increased engagement with countries in the Sahel following the French military exit, and with Russian weapons in short supply.

15 Feb 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

United States

‘Equivalent measures’: Mali, Burkina Faso restrict entry for US citizens

The African nations said they were imposing the travel restrictions after the US included them, and others, on a no-entry list.

31 Dec 2025 - 7:03PMvideocam

The leader of Mali’s ruling junta, Assimi Goita, centre, attends an independence day military parade. File photo: AP

France

African teen who raised Macron’s ire with fake French coup video has no regrets

The Burkinabe teen said he had posted the fake video as a way to make money but despite millions of views, only earned US$8.

20 Dec 2025 - 11:06AMvideocam

Science

Science drives China’s westward expansion in Africa

Discoveries of large untapped mineral deposits in West Africa are behind Beijing’s push to invest heavily in exploration and mining.

26 Oct 2025 - 4:05PMvideocam

Norway

Venezuela closes embassy in Norway after Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize

Venezuela says embassy closure was part of a restructuring of its foreign service - a move Norway called ‘regrettable’.

14 Oct 2025 - 2:20PM

The Venezuelan embassy in Oslo, Norway on Monday. Photo: EPA

China-Africa relations

China arms Burkina Faso as Sahel turns away from Western security promises

As region’s security ties with US, France unravel, China steps in to fill the void and position itself for greater influence in the Sahel.

16 Aug 2025 - 7:00PMvideocam

Burkina Faso’s military leader Ibrahim Traoré is escorted by soldiers while he stands in an armoured vehicle in Ouagadougou in October 2022. Photo: Reuters

Aviation accidents

Ghana defence and environment ministers killed in helicopter crash

A total of three crew and five passengers died after the aircraft dropped off the radar and went down in a heavily forested area.

7 Aug 2025 - 12:15PM

China-Africa relations

Routine or rising tensions? Chinese ambassadors in exodus from West Africa

Observers suggest the recent departure of several Chinese ambassadors could be a ‘subtle message’ to Sahelian regimes.

22 Jun 2025 - 10:00AMvideocam

Iran

Nuclear watchdog finds Iran non-compliant for first time in 20 years

Iran says it will create a new uranium enrichment facility, declaring IAEA vote a ‘political resolution’.

12 Jun 2025 - 5:13PM

This satellite photo shows Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility. Photo: Planet Labs PBC via AP

China-Africa relations

Are China-Niger ties a test for Beijing’s cornerstone non-interference policy?

‘Strengthening a regime is, in effect, a form of internal interference,’ says analyst.

10 Jun 2025 - 6:43PMvideocam

Supporters of Niger’s ruling junta gather in Niamey on August 3, 2023. Beijing has since sought to strengthen relations with the country’s military government. Photo: AP

China-Africa relations

Why China is working so hard to boost military ties in Africa’s Sahel region

The appointment of China’s new defence attaché to Niger signals a larger move by Beijing to fortify security in Africa, experts say.

25 Feb 2025 - 9:00AMvideocam

Africa

Putin promises Africa ‘total support’ in anti-West pitch

Facing isolation from the west over its invasion of Ukraine, Russia sought to woo African countries at a Black Sea resort this weekend.

10 Nov 2024 - 11:26PM

Denmark

Denmark shuts embassies in junta-led Mali and Burkina Faso

Denmark is opening embassies in Senegal, Tunisia and Rwanda as part of its new orientation in Africa.

27 Aug 2024 - 2:20PMvideocam

Junta supporters wave a Russian flag in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in 2022. File photo: AP

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