SAccording to a decree from the leader of the junta, Captain Ibrahim Traore, the members of the dissolved government will continue to carry out their functions until the formation of a new executive.
The Burkinabe army seized power in September 2022, overthrowing the military regime of Lieutenant colonel Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, some eight months after leading a coup to remove democratically elected President Roch Marc Kaboré.
Burkina Faso is one of the epicenters of Islamic extremist violence, carried out by militants linked to Al-Qaeda and the fundamentalist group Islamic State against government forces.
The conflict, which has been going on for about 10 years, has already caused more than 20,000 deaths, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), a non-governmental and non-profit association based in the United States.
Both sides in the conflict are accused by human rights NGOs of attacking civilians and forcing more than 2 million people, more than half of them children, to leave their areas of residence.
What are the main causes of the political unrest in Burkina Faso?
Title: Understanding the Ongoing Crisis in Burkina Faso: An Interview with Security Expert Dr. Emmanuelle N’guessan
Q1: Thank you for joining us, Dr. N’guessan. Can you provide some background on the current political situation in Burkina Faso?
Dr. N’guessan: Thank you for having me. As of now, Burkina Faso is undergoing meaningful political unrest. In September 2022, the Burkinabe army, under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traore, overthrew the military regime lead by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba. Following this coup, a decree was issued stating that members of the dissolved government would maintain their functions until a new executive is formed. This turbulence reflects a broader instability within the nation’s governance structure amid rising threats from extremist violence.
Q2: You mentioned the extremist violence; could you elaborate on the impact this has had on the country and its citizens?
Dr. N’guessan: Certainly. Burkina Faso sits at the heart of the Sahel region, which has become a battleground for various extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The conflict has been ongoing for about a decade and has led to over 20,000 deaths, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED). This violence has disrupted the lives of millions, forcing around 2 million people—many of them children— to flee their homes. The humanitarian crisis is profound,with both state and non-state actors accused of committing abuses against civilians.
Q3: What are the broader implications of this political instability and violence for the region?
Dr. N’guessan: The implications are dire—not just for Burkina Faso,but for the entire West African region. The rise of extremist groups creates a vacuum of security that can lead to regional destabilization. Neighboring countries may experience spillover effects, as violence and instability do not respect borders. Furthermore, if this situation persists, we could see an increase in refugee flows, humanitarian crises, and a strain on resources, which, in turn, could lead to more extreme responses from governments.
Q4: Are ther any efforts underway to address these challenges? What can be done to stabilize Burkina Faso?
Dr. N’guessan: Efforts are indeed being made, but they face significant hurdles. The international community, alongside regional organizations, is attempting to mediate and provide support. It’s crucial for regional governments to collaborate and foster an inclusive dialog that addresses the root causes of extremism. Additionally, improving the humanitarian situation—by ensuring access to basic services and protection for civilians—can help rebuild trust among the population and reduce the allure of extremist groups.
Q5: For our readers, what practical advice can you share regarding how they might contribute or stay informed about this situation?
Dr. N’guessan: Staying informed is key. Readers can follow reputable news sources and NGOs that focus on human rights and international relations.Supporting organizations that provide humanitarian assistance to displaced populations can make a tangible difference. advocacy is also critically important—calling on governments and international bodies to prioritize peace-building initiatives and ensure accountability for human rights violations can put pressure on leaders to act. Ultimately, public awareness can catalyze action.
Q6: Thank you, Dr.N’guessan, for this informative discussion. What final thoughts would you like to leave our readers with?
Dr. N’guessan: I urge readers to understand that the crisis in Burkina Faso is complex and multifaceted. It requires not only compassion but also informed engagement.By recognizing the interconnectedness of our global community, we can foster solidarity and support efforts that lead to lasting peace and stability in Burkina Faso and the broader region.
Keywords: Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, political instability, extremist violence, humanitarian crisis, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, conflict, regional security, collaborative peace-building initiatives.