BURKINA-FASO

As of 2025, Burkina Faso remains one of the most unstable and dangerous countries in the Sahel. The country is still embroiled in an asymmetric war against jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda (JNIM) and the Islamic State (IS-Sahel), which now control large parts of the territory—particularly in the north, east, and west.

The military regime led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in power since the September 2022 coup, has tightened authoritarian control. It promotes ultra-sovereignist, anti-Western, and pro-Russian rhetoric and has expelled numerous international partners, including French forces, foreign NGOs, and several UN agencies. The regime has drawn closer to the Wagner Group, whose presence—though less visible than in Mali—has been reported in certain operations.

Military campaigns led by the Burkinabè army, often in coordination with local militias (Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland, VDP), have involved numerous abuses, often targeting civilians accused of collaborating with jihadists. NGOs have reported mass killings, particularly in the Yatenga, Séno, and Sanmatenga provinces.

The humanitarian situation is catastrophic: over two million internally displaced people, vast regions cut off from aid, and schools and health centres either closed or destroyed. Famine is spreading in several areas, especially in the north, due to road blockades imposed by armed groups.

The capital, Ouagadougou, remains under government control, but attacks, targeted killings, and infiltration attempts have been reported. Internal political tensions have also grown, including rifts within the military, raising fears of another coup.
Businesses, foreign nationals, journalists, and NGOs are regularly targeted—either by jihadist groups or by the regime itself, which accuses them of colluding with foreign powers. Anti-French sentiment is particularly strong, and any Western affiliation can constitute a security risk.

The entire territory, including the capital, must be considered a very high-risk zone. Travel is strongly discouraged unless under imperative circumstances and accompanied by extremely robust security measures.