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The Latest Breaking News from Burkina Faso

Power vacuum in west Africa’s Sahel: 3 ways China could fill the gap as west exits

With France fast losing its influence in west Africa’s Sahel region and an unpredictable US president in power, will China fill the vacuum?

The Conversation

Why Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s new plan to tackle extremist violence is likely to fail

The military-led nations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) on January 29. They had announced their intention to leave one year ago, shortly after establishing a new defence pact called the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES).

The Conversation

‘We water, rest, water’: the green belt of vegetable plots cooling a city

A green belt circling the capital of Burkina Faso is preparing the country for the climate crisis

The Guardian - UK

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What's ahead for a 50-year-old West African bloc after 3 junta-led countries left the group?

A 50-year-old West Africa regional bloc is facing significant challenges after three junta-led countries — Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — formally left the group, known as ECOWAS

The Independent UK

Burkina Faso’s nature reserves are worth protecting – but people have to be part of the plan

Burkina Faso is a west African dryland country known for its diverse ecosystems, including savannas, forests and wetlands. Large herbivores like elephant, giraffe and hippopotamus, and predators like lions, leopards and the African lynx, roam the country’s savannas. Many bird species use the country as a stopover or wintering ground,…

The Conversation

West African Nations Withdraw From ECOWAS Regional Bloc

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdraw from ECOWAS, forming a new security partnership. Challenges and implications for regional stability.

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3 coup-hit West African nations formally leave ECOWAS in an unprecedented disintegration

The three junta-led West African nations of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the regional bloc known as ECOWAS

The Independent UK

Three Sahel nations exit West African bloc as regional politics shift

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso were to officially quit the West African bloc Ecowas Wednesday, severing ties after years of strained relations that have reshaped trade routes in the Sahel.

Radio France Internationale

Thousands Rally In Burkina, Mali And Niger To Cheer ECOWAS Exit

Thousands of people rallied in junta-led Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali on Tuesday to back their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States regional bloc, due to take effect Wednesday.

International Business Times

France’s military withdrawal presents opportunities and risks to West African states

In early January, Côte d’Ivoire announced that French troops would be withdrawing from the country and the military base of Port-Bouët would be handed over to Côte d’Ivoire’s army. The announcement is part of a seismic shift in France’s decades-long presence across francophone Africa.

The Conversation

West Africa Juntas Tighten Screws On Foreign Mining Firms

Earlier this month, soldiers swooped by helicopter into a vast mining complex in western Mali and made away with three tonnes of gold -- all done on the orders of the military government.

International Business Times

Ghana steps up efforts to mend regional ties with Sahel alliance appointment

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a former national security chief as envoy to the alliance formed by Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, signalling his administration's intention to mend ties with the three military-led nations.

Radio France Internationale

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

Niger’s defense minister says 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

The Independent UK

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Radio France Internationale

Fears for the future in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso over Ecowas withdrawal

The withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – who have formed their own Alliance of Sahel States – from West African bloc Ecowas is set to take effect on 29 January, with security experts and members of the diaspora voicing concern over what lies ahead.

The Conversation

Ghana’s new president faces tough regional security problems: why he’s well-placed to tackle them

John Mahama has been sworn in as Ghana’s new president. He inherits a host of security challenges by dint of the country’s position in the west African region, which has become increasingly volatile.

The Conversation

West Africa could soon have a jihadist state – here’s why

The Sahel region of Africa, between the Sahara and the tropical savannahs to the south, has emerged as a significant base of groups that want to establish jihadist states.

The Guardian - UK

‘We would turn up to find books on fire’: the teachers risking kidnap and death to keep Burkina Faso’s schools open

Conflict has forced a fifth of the country’s schools to close. One teacher, determined to keep working despite threats from marauding Islamist militias, shares their testimony

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The Conversation

West African military leaders prepare to exit Ecowas regional bloc, raising concerns for stability

Leaders of the west African regional grouping Ecowas approved the long-awaited withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the bloc in December. The three countries have been granted a six-month grace period from January 29, when their exit becomes official, to reconsider their decision.

The Independent UK

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

Their loved ones were slaughtered by extremists or government-affiliated fighters

Radio France Internationale

Mali accuses Algeria of fuelling Sahel insecurity by supporting Tuareg rebels

As Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger prepare to withdraw from the West African bloc Ecowas, reports show an increase in instability in the region – partly due to a lack of coordination in the fight against jihadism – with Mali now accusing Algeria of supporting Tuareg rebel groups.

Al Jazeera

Frexit: Why Ivory Coast is joining African campaign to expel French troops

Ivory Coast is the sixth in a growing list of African nations cutting military ties with former colonial power France.

Radio France Internationale

Burkina Faso extends amnesty to those involved in failed 2015 coup

Burkina Faso’s transitional legislative assembly has passed a bill granting amnesty to soldiers involved in the failed coup in September 2015.

Radio France Internationale

Burkina Faso releases four French nationals after detaining them for a year

Burkina Faso's junta-led government said Thursday that it had released four French nationals it called spies, following Morocco-mediated negotiations with France.