Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, officially the Republic of Burkina Faso, is a landlocked nation in Western Africa, bordered by Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Despite lacking coastal access, the country holds a strategic position within the Sahel region, where rapid population growth, environmental stress, and widespread insecurity converge. Known as the “Land of the Upright People,” Burkina Faso embodies resilience and cultural richness amid enduring political, economic, and security challenges.

Historical Background

Between the 12th and 15th centuries, present-day Burkina Faso was the heartland of several powerful Gurma and Mossi kingdoms, including Ouagadougou and Yatenga. These states developed sophisticated hierarchical systems and defended their autonomy with formidable horse-mounted armies. The Mossi kingdoms resisted foreign domination for centuries, maintaining continuity in governance and cultural traditions.
In the late 19th century, the region was colonised by France during the European scramble for Africa. It became part of French West Africa under the name Upper Volta. French colonial rule introduced centralised administration and basic infrastructure but deepened economic dependency through forced labour and cash-crop production.
Following decolonisation movements across Africa, Upper Volta gained independence on 5 August 1960. Post-independence politics were marked by military coups and ideological shifts.
A turning point came in 1983, when Captain Thomas Sankara, a charismatic revolutionary, seized power. He renamed the country Burkina Faso (“Land of Upright People”) in 1984 and launched ambitious reforms promoting self-reliance, women’s rights, education, and anti-corruption. His radical agenda inspired much of Africa but ended abruptly when he was assassinated in 1987 in a coup led by Blaise Compaoré, who ruled for 27 years.
Compaoré’s regime fell in 2014 amid mass protests. A transitional government organised elections in 2015, bringing Roch Marc Christian Kaboré to power. However, escalating Islamist insurgencies undermined civilian rule. In 2022, two successive military coups—first led by Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, then Captain Ibrahim Traoré—returned the army to power.
As of 2025, Captain Ibrahim Traoré serves as Transitional President, pledging to restore security and sovereignty before elections. However, persistent violence and political uncertainty have delayed the planned democratic transition.

Geography and Environment

Area: 274,200 sq km (slightly larger than Colorado)Average elevation: 297 mTopography: Predominantly flat plateau, with low hills in the west and southeastMajor rivers: Black, White, and Red VoltasClimate zones:

• South: Tropical savanna, short rainy seasons
• Centre: Semi-arid Sahelian steppe
• North: Arid and desertic near the Sahara

Recurring droughts, deforestation, and desertification threaten agricultural output. Despite these constraints, 53% of land is used for agriculture, and 28.9% is arable.
Natural resources: Gold (primary export), manganese, zinc, limestone, and phosphate.Environmental issues: Soil erosion, overgrazing, and climate variability.International agreements: Paris Climate Accord, UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and Convention on Biological Diversity.

Population and Society

Population (2024): 23 millionGrowth rate: 2.4% per yearMedian age: 18.7 yearsUrbanisation: 32.5%Life expectancy: 64.2 years
Burkina Faso’s population is young and rapidly expanding, with 42% under 15 years.
Ethnic composition:

• Mossi (54%) – the dominant group
• Fulani (Peuhl)
• Gurma, Bissa, Bobo, and others

Languages: French (official); over 60 indigenous languages, including Mooré (Mossi), Fula, and Dyula.Religion: Islam (63.8%), Roman Catholicism (20.1%), traditional beliefs (9%), Protestantism (6.2%).
Urban growth is concentrated in Ouagadougou (3.2 million) and Bobo-Dioulasso (1.1 million). Most rural inhabitants practice subsistence agriculture, often vulnerable to food insecurity and climate shocks.
Health indicators:

• Infant mortality: 47 per 1,000 births
• Maternal mortality: 242 per 100,000 births
• Physicians: 0.15 per 1,000 people
• Hospital beds: 0.2 per 1,000 people

Access to clean water and sanitation remains limited, particularly in rural areas.
Education:

• Literacy rate: 40.9% (male 49.8%, female 33.7%)
• School life expectancy: 7 years
• Education spending: 5.3% of GDP (among the region’s highest)

Political Structure and Governance

Government type: Transitional military regime (nominally presidential republic)Head of State: Captain Ibrahim Traoré (since 30 September 2022)Prime Minister: Joachim Kyélem de Tambèla (since October 2022)Legislature: Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) – 71 appointed membersLegal system: French civil law and customary law
The Transitional Charter (2022) suspended the constitution, dissolved elected bodies, and extended the transition to July 2029. It bars the transitional president from contesting future elections.
Judicial independence exists in principle but is limited by executive interference and resource constraints.
National symbols:

• Flag: Red (revolution) and green (hope) with a yellow star (prosperity)
• Motto: “Le Ditanye” – The Anthem of Victory (written by Thomas Sankara)
• National emblem: A crossed hoe and AK-47 symbolising labour and defence

Economy

Burkina Faso’s economy is agrarian and resource-dependent, with limited industrialisation and heavy reliance on gold exports.
GDP (2024): US$23.25 billionGDP growth: 5%GDP per capita: US$1,010Inflation: 4.2% (down from 14.3% in 2022)Public debt: 61% of GDPPoverty rate: 43%Gini coefficient: 37.4
Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 18.6% (employs over 80% of population)
• Industry: 29.7% (mainly mining and light manufacturing)
• Services: 40.2%

Key exports: Gold (over 70% of exports), cotton, livestockMain partners: Switzerland, UAE, India, Côte d’IvoireImports: Petroleum, machinery, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro through the WAEMU monetary system.
Remittances: 2.9% of GDP (2024)
Economic growth remains fragile due to terrorism, infrastructure deficits, and climate shocks, but the mining sector continues to attract regional investment.

Security and Military

Burkina Faso faces one of Africa’s most severe insurgencies, linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State affiliates. Since 2016, jihadist attacks have expanded from the north and east into most provinces.
Displacement: Over 2 million people internally displaced by 2024.Forces: ~20,000 regular troops + 50,000 Volontaires pour la Défense de la Patrie (VDP) civilian militia.Defence spending: 4.5% of GDP (2024).
The military launched major offensives under Traoré, coordinating with Mali and Niger through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a new bloc formed in 2024 after tensions with ECOWAS.
Key insurgent groups:

• JNIM (al-Qaida affiliate)
• ISIS–Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS)

The conflict has devastated rural governance, education, and trade routes. Despite territorial losses, the government maintains control over major cities and mining zones.

Foreign Relations

Burkina Faso remains a member of the United Nations, African Union (AU), and World Trade Organization, though its AU membership is suspended due to the 2022 coup.
Historically aligned with France, the country has pivoted toward Russia and Mali for military cooperation, reflecting growing anti-French sentiment in the Sahel. It also maintains partnerships with China and Turkey for infrastructure and defence procurement.
Diplomatic representation (2025):

• Ambassador Kassoum Coulibaly to the United States
• U.S. Ambassador Joann Lockard in Ouagadougou

Culture and Heritage

Burkinabe culture reflects Mossi traditions, Islamic influences, and French colonial legacies. The nation is renowned for its music, art, and film, with Ouagadougou hosting FESPACO (Festival Panafricain du Cinéma et de la Télévision)—Africa’s largest film festival.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

1. Ruins of Loropéni (ancient stone fortress)
2. W–Arly–Pendjari Complex (shared transboundary park with Benin and Niger)
3. Tiébélé Painted Houses (on UNESCO tentative list)

National symbol: The white stallion, representing freedom and resilience.

Contemporary Challenges and Outlook

Burkina Faso stands at a crossroads between fragility and resilience.Persistent terrorism, food insecurity, and youth unemployment hinder progress, while displacement and humanitarian needs strain the state’s limited capacity.