Political instability and spiralling jihadist violence
After decades of political stability, Burkina Faso has entered a spiral of violence and insecurity since 2011. Islamist groups and local militias have taken control of large parts of the country, reinforcing ethnic conflicts and driving the population into exodus. Over 2 million people are internally displaced, while access to food and resources is increasingly difficult.
In September 2022, Ibrahim Traoré took power following a military coup. His government emphasizes national solutions and individual responsibility, while international cooperation is increasingly limited. In 2024, the security situation remains critical: only the center around Ouagadougou is considered safe, while other regions suffer from the control of armed groups.
Climate crisis worsens humanitarian emergency
The consequences of climate change are further aggravating the humanitarian situation. Droughts, erratic rainfall and heat waves are threatening agriculture, on which 80% of the population depends. Gold mining, an essential source of income for 3 million people, is causing social inequalities and ecological damage. According to UN reports, 25.5% of the population suffers from malnutrition, especially in areas controlled by the jihadists. Undermined roads and blocked supply routes prevent the delivery of food aid.
Women in Burkina Faso – fighters for equality and justice
The situation of women has worsened in the current crisis: sexual violence, poverty-driven prostitution and limited freedom of movement are on the increase, particularly in camps for internally displaced persons. The patriarchal structures of the dominant Mossi ethnic group make reform difficult, despite legislative advances.
Thanks to powerful feminist movements such as Femin-in, Voix des femmes and the Coalition Burkinabés pour les Droits des Femmes (CBDF), Burkina Faso is, on paper, one of the most progressive countries in West Africa. Important successes, such as the ban on excision and marriage of minors, have been enshrined in law for many years. However, implementation remains insufficient, especially in rural areas.
In urban centers, women activists are fighting for access to education, information and protection against violence. Police are increasingly aware of gender-based violence. The spirit of revolutionary president Thomas Sankara, who promoted women's rights as early as the 1980s, lives on and inspires the movement. Feminists work tirelessly for equality, self-determination and an end to gender discrimination.
The solidarity and resilience of the population, a beacon of hope
Despite the many crises, Burkinabe society has shown remarkable solidarity. Internally displaced persons are welcomed by local families, and women organize themselves into food cooperatives to support their communities. Volunteers secure villages against attack, while a national solidarity fund has been set up to stabilize the security situation.
Resilience and cohesion of the population remain central pillars for the stabilization of the country. Burkina Faso is increasingly relying on its own strengths to meet the challenges of violence, climate crisis and poverty.
Key figures
Area: 274.200 km2
Capital: Ougadougou / approx. 2.92 million inhabitants
Population: 23 million
Population growth: 2,4% per annum
Urban population: 32,5%
Infant mortality: 47 per 1,000 live births (2015: 75,3)
Maternal mortality: 264 per 100,000 births (2020)
Fertility rate: 4,02 children born/woman (2024)
Life expectancy: 64 years
Physicians density: 0,09/1,000 population (2019)
Hospital bed density: 0,4 beds/1000 population
Literacy (15 years and older): 46%
Source: CIA World Factbook (2025)
