Burkina Faso’s International Isolation Deepens as Country Revokes Military Agreements

Background

Burkina Faso has taken a significant step back from the international community by revoking several bilateral and multilateral military cooperation agreements, including with France. This move comes amid growing concerns over the country’s increasing closeness to Russia.

Challenges Facing Burkina Faso

• Insecurity and corruption have plagued the country in recent years, hindering efforts to combat organized crime and terrorism.
• The government has established robust legal frameworks, but enforcement remains a major challenge.
• Impunity for members of the security services is a major concern, with reports of extrajudicial killings by state forces widespread.

Judicial System Challenges

• Burkina Faso’s judicial system faces significant challenges, including:
  • Lack of effective structures to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate cases.
  • Impunity for members of the security services.

Law Enforcement Bodies

• The country lacks the means to effectively enforce laws governing organized crime and specific criminal markets.
• There is only one specialized law enforcement unit, an anti-drugs unit, and a High Authority for the Control of the Importation of Arms and their Use, which has not been active since its creation.

Economic Situation

• The economic situation in Burkina Faso is dire, with high levels of poverty and alarming social development indicators.
• The country’s informal economy occupies a large part of the private sector, exacerbated by the participation of violent extremist groups and organized crime groups.

Civil Society Under Threat

• Burkina Faso’s civil society is robust, but under significant threat since the beginning of the military transition government.
• Civil liberties have shrunk, and human rights organizations face threats, harassment, and abuse by the authorities.

International Consequences

• Burkina Faso’s increasing isolation from the international community is likely to have far-reaching consequences for its economy and security.
• The United Nations has placed Burkina Faso under surveillance due to concerns over its financial sector and ability to combat money laundering.

Conclusion

As Burkina Faso continues down a path of increasing isolation, it remains to be seen whether the country will be able to address the significant challenges facing it or if it will continue to drift further away from the international community.