Stories about Burkina Faso
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.
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."
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"
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."
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."
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?"
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."
Empathy Was All Around in 2016 for the French-Speaking World, Too
It would be a shame to ignore 2016's less publicized, but still important events, so here goes our look back at the good stuff this year in the French-speaking world.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
This Invention by Burkinabe and Burundian Student Scientists Could Save Thousands from Malaria
Two students, Moctar Dembele and Gerard Niyondiko, might have just made a major contribution to reducing the morbidity of one of the deadliest diseases in Africa.
After Citizen Uprising in Burkina Faso and Burundi, Are Niger and Togo Next?
20,000 Nigeriens took to the streets in Niamey, Niger on June, 6. There are multiple causes for the protests: endemic poverty, mediocre governance and restricted free speech are among the main grievances from Nigerien civil society. These protests come on the hill of similar uprisings in Burkina Faso, Burundi...
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."
2015 Presents an Opportunity for Free and Fair Elections in Africa
Wekesa Sylvanus hopes that 2015 will be a year of free and fair elections in Africa: https://wekesasylvanus.wordpress.com/2015/02/18/will-2015-be-a-year-of-free-and-fair-elections-in-africa/ Since the advent of multi party democracy in Africa, electoral contests have become a do or die affair in majority of African countries. Elections in Africa are a high risk affair and in...
Another Celebrity Wants to Help Africa, And He's No ‘Band Aid’
When it comes to helping Africa, there is Bob Geldof's approach with "Band Aid," and then there is Akon's.
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.
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.
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.