Burkina Faso

At least 100 people killed in central Burkina Faso in terror attack

Africa /

At least 100 villagers and soldiers were killed in central Burkina Faso during a weekend attack by al-Qaida-linked jihadis. The assault on Barsalogho, 80 kilometers from the capital, was described by regional experts as one of the deadliest of the year. The attackers, affiliated with the al-Qaida-linked JNIM group, targeted villagers who were helping security forces build defensive trenches. Al-Qaida claimed responsibility, stating they took control of a militia position in Barsalogho. Videos of the attack showed numerous bodies and the scene was reviewed by the Associated Press, though the exact casualty count could not be independently verified. Burkina Faso’s security minister reported that both soldiers and civilians were among the casualties, and the government has responded with increased support and protection efforts. The escalating violence has resulted in significant parts of Burkina Faso being outside government control, contributing to two coups in 2022. The junta, despite seeking new security partnerships, continues to struggle against the increasing jihadi attacks.

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Denmark to close embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso

Africa /

Denmark has announced that it will close its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso as part of its new strategy for African engagement. The Foreign Ministry explained on Monday that the recent military coups in these countries have restricted “the scope for action in the Sahel region.” Instead, Denmark plans to establish new missions in Senegal, Tunisia, and Rwanda, and to expand its diplomatic presence in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. Following the closures in Bamako and Ouagadougou, Denmark will appoint a special representative for the Great Lakes and Sahel region. Relations between Mali and Burkina Faso with the West have soured since Mali’s coup in 2020 and Burkina Faso’s in 2022. Both countries have since sought support from Russia and its Wagner mercenary group. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that Denmark’s reorganization aligns with the European Union’s goal of becoming the continent’s “preferred partner.” He emphasized that the EU needs to offer a compelling alternative to the growing influence of China and Russia in Africa. Denmark’s revised strategy will emphasize increasing trade and development aid, particularly for water initiatives.

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Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger accuse Ukraine of supporting terrorism in Sahel

Africa /

 Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger petitioned the president of the UN Security Council on Tuesday to denounce the Ukrainian government’s “open and assumed support for international terrorism” particularly in Africa’s Sahel region. The move follows recent comments by Ukrainian officials suggesting that Kyiv had played a role in attacks by Tuareg separatist rebels that caused the deaths of many Malian soldiers last month in the northeastern village of Tinzawaten on the border with Algeria. In a joint letter, the three countries’ foreign ministers said their governments were shocked by the comments of Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for Ukrainian military intelligence, “admitting Ukraine’s role in the cowardly, barbaric and criminal attacks” between July 24 and 26. It added that the remarks were confirmed by Yurii Pyvovarov, Ukraine’s ambassador to Senegal. Yusov said the rebels received “the necessary information they needed” to conduct the attacks after Malian army allies of Russia’s Wagner Group confirmed “losses” in the clashes. The letter called on the Security Council to “take appropriate measures against these subversive actions which strengthen terrorist groups in Africa.” It said the official’s comments go beyond the scope of foreign interference, which is condemnable itself. “This is official and unequivocal support by the Ukrainian government for terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel. These acts also constitute a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our States, a clear aggression and support for international terrorism, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant international conventions,” the letter says in part. The three countries, ruled by military juntas, have signed a defense pact under their formation called the Confederation of Sahel States. The Tinzawaten area has been a battleground between separatist forces and the Malian army over the past decade. Mali and Niger earlier this month severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine, citing comments by the Ukrainian military official suggesting that Kyiv played a role in the July attacks.

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ECOWAS seeks return of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to regional bloc

Africa /

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is working to reintegrate Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into the regional bloc. According to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), the ECOWAS Parliamentary Joint Committee Meeting was held in Abidjan, the former capital of Côte d’Ivoire. Benjamin Kalu, Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives and chair of the meeting, stated that the departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS would exacerbate security issues in the region. Kalu noted that ECOWAS Parliament is using diplomacy to resolve the issues with these three countries, saying, “We will keep the doors open for them to return to this family. We need them.” He also mentioned that committee members from the ECOWAS Parliament will soon visit Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s Departure Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdrew from ECOWAS in February, forming the Sahel States Alliance (AES) and held their first summit in Niamey, Niger, on July 6. At the summit, a joint declaration was signed to establish the “Confederation of Sahel States” consisting of the three countries, and Malian President Assimi Goita was elected as the rotating president of AES for one year.

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