Instability in Burkina Faso adds to poverty

The second military coup this year in Burkina Faso is fuelling poverty as unrest simmers in the capital, Ouagadougou.

On Sunday 2nd October, the citizens of Burkina Faso woke up to find out that there has been another military coup. It was led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, who ousted the former military chief, Lt. Col, Damiba. In January 2022, Damiba himself overthrew the elected government of Roche Kaboré, who had been in office for 6 years.

Meanwhile, the transitional government has been dissolved, and the constitution suspended in a state-of-emergency. Damiba is accused of failing to stem attacks from armed groups linked to ISIL and al-Qaeda, which have plagued the Sahel region since 2015. He has since formally resigned as President and has gone to Togo.

Captain Ibrahim Traore has addressed the nation, stating that he will remain in charge until “the swearing-in of a new president designated by the nation’s military”. He however did not give a date when this will happen, but has asked Burkinabés to “exercise calm, restraint and prayer”.

During this uncertain time, our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of Burkina Faso. In particular, the children and widows we support, our alumni, who are key participants in ACT’s fight against poverty, and of course, Hope Missions, our project partners in the country. In the face of long-standing instability, their resilience shines through as they continue with their day-to-day work of supporting the children and women with courage and good humour.

To find out more about the impact of our work in Burkina Faso, please click here.

ACT is for the people otherwise forgotten

Burkina Faso is among the poorest countries in the world. It ranks 144th among 157 countries in the World Bank’s Human Capital Index. Since 2001, ACT has been supporting disadvantaged children and orphans and empowering widows to generate income so that they can sustain their families.

Now more than ever, we need your help to support some of the most disadvantaged children in Burkina Faso to finish their education and reach their full potential in life – despite the considerable challenges that they face.

Please click here to sponsor a child or make a donation.