Captain Ibrahim Traoré has insisted on state control over Burkina Faso's natural resources Burkina Faso has opened its first gold refinery as the military-led government seeks to process more of the country's mineral wealth at home and tighten its control over one of its most important industries. Junta leader Ibrahim Traoré said the move was part of a wider effort to end the country's reliance on exporting raw materials for processing abroad. "We want to refine all our metal

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso is set to inaugurate a new textile factory dedicated to producing military uniforms from cotton grown and processed locally, in a move aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on imported military clothing and strengthening domestic manufacturing. The facility, known as Taxforce-BF, is part of the government’s broader drive under Captain Ibrahim Traoré to promote economic self-reliance and increase the use of locally produced goods. Ta

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso —Burkina Faso has approved and recognised more than 18 traditional medicines for use in the country as authorities move to strengthen regulation of a sector relied on by more than 80 percent of the population. Mariam Bagagnan, Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said the approvals were part of efforts to improve the regulation and safety of traditional healthcare products. “To date, more than 18 traditional medicines have been approved

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso has intensified its campaign to promote patriotism and national unity, with President Ibrahim Traoré’s government graduating tens of thousands of young people from compulsory civic training while recently instituted a military-style training for Burkinabe journalists. About 65,000 young Burkinabè have reportedly completed a month-long patriotism programme designed to instil discipline, civic responsibility, national unity and knowledg