Stories from Ouagadougou · Burkina Faso

The 30th edition of the FESPACO film festival is scheduled to take place in Ouagadougou from March 20 to March 27, 2027.

President Traoré has rejected an offer of mosque funding from Saudi Arabia.

Authorities in Burkina Faso seized nearly 400,000 capsules of counterfeit antibiotics. Burkina Faso is reportedly the only African state in the top 10 countries globally for the largest seizures of fake medicines this year, despite volumes being almost half of last year's.

An analyst stated that recent events do not reflect the general state of unrest in Africa, noting that the Sahel region is now the main concentration of violence.

Russia has launched a post-Wagner operation in Burkina Faso, which has been named Africa Corps. The operation's name is compared to Irwin Rommel's Africa Corps. The source expressed doubt that this operation will solve the existing problems.

Despite the return of junta chief Newton Ahmed Barry, instability persists in Burkina Faso with ongoing rebel activity. The situation is described as a spiral that has not been stopped. The report mentions a Russian technique simulating disappearance to reveal enemies.

Sadio Kamara has died at the age of 47. The death is described as a blow to the military. The announcement follows recent attacks in Burkina Faso over the weekend. The source noted his legacy of patriotism and dedication will continue to inspire generations of officers.

Burkina Faso launched Operation WIPGA2 two days ago to strengthen national security against terrorism. The operation aims to intensify security measures across the entire country, including Ouagadougou. Authorities have called for public vigilance and urged citizens to report suspicious behavior near sensitive infrastructure, military barracks, and airports. The project aims to clear sediment from the reservoirs to improve water management.

Mercury trade in West Africa involves multiple intermediaries and transit countries. While some sources suggest it originates in Mali, the country primarily serves as a transit hub.

Al-Qaeda is reportedly concentrating its efforts on addressing local grievances. The group's activities are noted to be far more active in Burkina Faso over the last couple of years, where many of the bloodiest and biggest attacks have occurred. Al-Qaeda branches are also active in Mali, Niger, Benin, and Nigeria, and other local branches of the Islamic State are active in Mali and the region.