BURKINA FASO

World Affairs


 09-Dec-2024

Why in the News?

Burkina Faso's military junta has appointed Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo as the new Prime Minister of the transitional government. This follows the dismissal of Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela and the dissolution of the government on 6th of December 2024. The political shake-up highlights ongoing challenges in Burkina Faso's governance and transitional leadership.

Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo

About Burkina Faso 

  • Location: Landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Capital: Ouagadougou.
  • Language: Official language French; indigenous languages widely spoken.
  • History: 
    • Formerly Upper Volta; gained independence from France in 1960.
    • Renamed Burkina Faso ("Land of Upright People") in 1984.
  • Economy: Agriculture-driven, with gold and cotton as key exports; faces poverty and unemployment.
  • Challenges:
    • Political instability with frequent coups.
    • Rising insurgent violence and displacement crises.
  • Culture: Rich traditions in art and music; home to the FESPACO African Film Festival.