Latest Burkina Faso News

ECOWAS pledges to 'keep door open' after 3 coup-hit West African nations exit regional bloc

Jan. 29, 2025 12:42 PM EST

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The junta-led West African nations of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the regional bloc known as ECOWAS, the body said Wednesday. The previously announced withdrawal, which marks the culmination of a yearlong process during which the...

West Africa's junta-led nations announce deployment of a joint force as extremist violence spikes

Jan. 22, 2025 09:55 AM EST

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The junta-led West African countries of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have created a joint force that will soon be deployed in the restive Sahel region against rising extremist violence, Niger’s defense minister said Wednesday, The force of 5,000 personnel...

Moroccan truck drivers kidnapped in Burkina Faso have been released

Jan. 21, 2025 08:00 AM EST

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — Four Moroccan truck drivers who were kidnapped in West Africa over the weekend were released in Niger. The drivers were the latest victims of insecurity in the Sahel, an arid swath of land south of the Sahara where militant groups such as the Islamic...

Interpol cracks down on illegal mining in West Africa as police make 200 arrests

Jan. 14, 2025 08:51 AM EST

PARIS (AP) — Interpol said Tuesday a major operation targeting illegal gold mining in West Africa has resulted in 200 arrests and the seizure of harmful chemicals, explosives and drugs. The operation spanned Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea and Senegal, exposing extensive networks...

They fled from extremists. Now the government in Burkina Faso tries to hide their existence

Jan. 07, 2025 06:00 AM EST

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — Their loved ones were slaughtered by Islamic extremists or government-affiliated fighters. Their villages were attacked, their homes destroyed. Exhausted and traumatized, they fled in search of safety, food and shelter. This is the reality for over...