Featured stories about Burkina Faso
Stories about Burkina Faso
24 December 2019
8 West African countries rename currency in historic break from France — but colonial-era debts persist
Changing the CFA franc to "Eco" does not change the fact that many West African countries are still locked in a legacy of debt to France in its colonial-era deposit system.
28 February 2019
The repatriation of African artifacts to countries of origin is tricky business
Many of Africa's "stolen artifacts from colonial times were generally given or donated to French public collections. Thus, these artworks ... have become a property of the French state."
18 July 2018
Activist Naïm Touré sentenced to prison over Facebook post in Burkina Faso
"Freedom of expression is a constitutional right in our country; free NAÏM TOURÉ"
14 December 2017
Concerns over United States President Trump's Latest Controversial Foreign Policies Loom Large in Africa
"This is not a very diplomatic strategy. Then again, it is coming from a man whose vision and politics are limited by his lack of awareness about the outside world."
18 August 2017
History Repeats Itself, Violently, in Burkina Faso
"Every time, they come to kill our brothers. Those are two restaurants beloved of Burkinabe that have been targeted."
29 July 2017
The African Community Reacts to Emmanuel Macron's Comments on Birth Rates in Africa
"Here is the question that we must ask: is it up to a non-African president to tell our women how many children they should have?"
1 June 2017
Could Professional Sports Boost Economic Development in Africa?
"Of course, sports alone cannot lift a country out of poverty. But they can help inspire social change."
17 October 2016
An Animated Video Explains the Powers of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Not sure what the court does? This video might help.
18 July 2016
‘People Are Getting on Those Boats Because They Want to Live’
The rescue operation Sos Méditerranée publishes accounts of people who have survived journeys across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe on their blog.
24 January 2016
Defiant, Disappointed, and Mourning—Burkina Faso Remembers Victims of the January Attacks
Burkinabés are making a vow to resist, now and always, all forms of extremism and violence.
22 September 2015
3 Keys to Understanding the Burkina Faso Coup
Learn who is behind the coup, what this has to do with upcoming elections and why all eyes are on citizen movements' reactions to the crisis.
2 September 2015
Are Term Limits and Mandatory Political Changeover Really in the Interest of African Nations?
In countries with few leading figures capable of securing the role of head of state, constitutionally mandated political changeover can be a real constraint on the political process.
15 March 2015
After the Charlie Hebdo Attack, Can We Laugh About Anything?
"Freedom of speech must be complete. However, freedom of conscience and worship must be protected too."
18 February 2015
21 November 2014
Burkina Faso Is Taking Steps Toward Democracy (and Africans Are Taking Note)
Since the ousting of President Blaise Compaoré, who held power for 27 years, ex-diplomat Michel Kafando was chosen by consensus to lead the transitional period until the next elections.
10 November 2014
Burkina Faso Activists Confront a Potential Coup After President's Departure
Confusion in Burkina Faso about what will happen after a popular revolution expelled President Compaoré.
4 November 2014
Djibouti's Young People Look to Burkina Faso to Pave Their Own Democratic Way
On November 3, the Opposition Youth Movement marched in the streets of Djibouti City against the country's 15-year leader Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.
28 October 2014
People in Burkina Faso Are Taking to the Streets Against a ‘President for Life’
Protests swept cities in Burkina Faso over President Blaise Compaoré's proposed changes to the constitution to let him run for office again. He has held power for 27 years.
