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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

French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan leader William Ruto at the closing session of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

China-Africa relations

As France tries to reset relations with Africa, China’s influence looms large

Paris pitches a €23 billion investment ‘jolt’ to win over countries like Kenya after losing ground in the Sahel.

23 May 2026 - 2:00PMvideocam

Africa

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

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

The landlocked West African nation has been ruled by the military since a coup in 2020.

25 Apr 2026 - 9:19PM

Armed members of an unidentified group gather in Kidal, Mali, in this screen grab obtained from social media released on Saturday. Photo: Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane via Reuters

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

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

People gather in support of a coup in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in 2022. A wave of military coups across the Sahel has ended traditional alliances and security frameworks. Photo: Reuters

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

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

After almost three decades of false starts, Guinea’s massive Simandou iron ore mine is on track to deliver its first shipment this year, in a significant breakthrough for Chinese hopes of breaking its dependence on Australia and Brazil. Photo: Rio Tinto Simfer

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

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

The Chinese embassy in Mali bids farewell to ambassador Chen Zhihong and his wife earlier this month. Photo: Handout

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

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

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (centre) attends the ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa partnership forum at Sirius University in Sochi on Sunday. Photo: AFP

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

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