| BURKINA FASO Burkina Faso Burkina Faso Joined United Nations: 20 September 1960 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 04/19/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Ouagadougou
15,746,232
NOTE: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of
excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher
infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes
in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be
expected (July 2009 est.)
NOTE: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of
excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher
infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes
in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be
expected (July 2009 est.)
Blaise Compaore
President since 15 October 1987
President since 15 October 1987
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for
a second term); election last held 13 November 2005 ( in April
2000, the constitution was amended reducing the presidential term
from seven to five years, enforceable as of 2005
Next scheduled election: 2010
a second term); election last held 13 November 2005 ( in April
2000, the constitution was amended reducing the presidential term
from seven to five years, enforceable as of 2005
Next scheduled election: 2010
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Tertius Zongo
Prime Minister since 4 June 2007
Prime Minister since 4 June 2007
Prime Minister appointed by the president with the consent of
the legislature
the legislature
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Mossi over 40%, Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani
| RELIGIONS |
Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Parliamentary republic comprised of 45 provinces; Legal system is based on French civil law system and customary
law ; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 13
November 2005 (next to be held in 2010); in April 2000, the constitution was amended reducing the presidential term
from seven to five years, enforceable as of 2005; prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the
legislature
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (111 seats; members are elected by popular vote
to serve five-year terms)
elections: National Assembly election last held 6 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court; Appeals Court
law ; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 13
November 2005 (next to be held in 2010); in April 2000, the constitution was amended reducing the presidential term
from seven to five years, enforceable as of 2005; prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the
legislature
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (111 seats; members are elected by popular vote
to serve five-year terms)
elections: National Assembly election last held 6 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court; Appeals Court
| LANGUAGES |
French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked Burkina Faso has few natural resources and a weak industrial
base. About 90% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is vulnerable to periodic drought.
Cotton is the main cash crop and the government has joined with three other cotton producing countries in the region -
Mali, Niger, and Chad - to lobby in the World Trade Organization for fewer subsidies to producers in other competing
countries. Since 1998, Burkina Faso has embarked upon a gradual but successful privatization of state-owned
enterprises. Having revised its investment code in 2004, Burkina Faso hopes to attract foreign investors. Thanks to this
new code and other legislation favoring the mining sector, the country has seen an upswing in gold exploration and
production. While the bitter internal crisis in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire is beginning to be resolved, it is still having a
negative effect on Burkina Faso's trade and employment. Burkina Faso received a Millennium Challenge Corporation
(MCC) threshold grant to improve girls' education at the primary school level, and signed an MCC compact that
focuses on the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, and land reform in July 2008.
base. About 90% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is vulnerable to periodic drought.
Cotton is the main cash crop and the government has joined with three other cotton producing countries in the region -
Mali, Niger, and Chad - to lobby in the World Trade Organization for fewer subsidies to producers in other competing
countries. Since 1998, Burkina Faso has embarked upon a gradual but successful privatization of state-owned
enterprises. Having revised its investment code in 2004, Burkina Faso hopes to attract foreign investors. Thanks to this
new code and other legislation favoring the mining sector, the country has seen an upswing in gold exploration and
production. While the bitter internal crisis in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire is beginning to be resolved, it is still having a
negative effect on Burkina Faso's trade and employment. Burkina Faso received a Millennium Challenge Corporation
(MCC) threshold grant to improve girls' education at the primary school level, and signed an MCC compact that
focuses on the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, and land reform in July 2008.
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
In 1995, Burkina held its first multiparty municipal elections since independence. With minor exceptions, balloting was
considered free and fair by the local human rights organizations which monitored the contest. The president's ODP/MT won
over 1,100 of some 1,700 councillor seats being contested.
In February 1996, the ruling ODP/MT merged with several small opposition parties to form the Congress for Democracy and
Progress (CDP). This effectively co-opted much of what little viable opposition to Compaoré existed. The remaining
opposition parties regrouped in preparation for 1997 legislative elections and the 1998 presidential election. The 1997 legislative
elections, which international observers pronounced to be substantially free, fair, and transparent, resulted in a large CDP
majority--101 to 111 seats.
The president is elected by popular vote for a seven-year term and may serve unlimited terms. The prime minister is appointed
by the president with the consent of the legislature. The constitution of June 2, 1991, established a semi-presidential
government with a parliament (Assemblée) which can be dissolved by the President of the Republic, who is elected for a term
of 5 years. The year 2000 saw a constitutional amendment reducing the presidential term from 7 to 5 years, which was
enforced during the 2005 elections. Another change according to the amendment would have prevented sitting president Blaise
Compaoré from being re-elected. However, notwithstanding a challenge by other presidential candidates, in October 2005, the
constitutional council ruled that because Compaoré was already a sitting president in 2000, the amendment would not apply to
him until the end of his second term in office, thereby clearing the way for his candidacy in the 2005 election. On November
13 Compaoré was reelected in a landslide due to a divided political opposition.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Burkina Faso
considered free and fair by the local human rights organizations which monitored the contest. The president's ODP/MT won
over 1,100 of some 1,700 councillor seats being contested.
In February 1996, the ruling ODP/MT merged with several small opposition parties to form the Congress for Democracy and
Progress (CDP). This effectively co-opted much of what little viable opposition to Compaoré existed. The remaining
opposition parties regrouped in preparation for 1997 legislative elections and the 1998 presidential election. The 1997 legislative
elections, which international observers pronounced to be substantially free, fair, and transparent, resulted in a large CDP
majority--101 to 111 seats.
The president is elected by popular vote for a seven-year term and may serve unlimited terms. The prime minister is appointed
by the president with the consent of the legislature. The constitution of June 2, 1991, established a semi-presidential
government with a parliament (Assemblée) which can be dissolved by the President of the Republic, who is elected for a term
of 5 years. The year 2000 saw a constitutional amendment reducing the presidential term from 7 to 5 years, which was
enforced during the 2005 elections. Another change according to the amendment would have prevented sitting president Blaise
Compaoré from being re-elected. However, notwithstanding a challenge by other presidential candidates, in October 2005, the
constitutional council ruled that because Compaoré was already a sitting president in 2000, the amendment would not apply to
him until the end of his second term in office, thereby clearing the way for his candidacy in the 2005 election. On November
13 Compaoré was reelected in a landslide due to a divided political opposition.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Burkina Faso
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
In September 2007, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intervened to attempt to resolve the
dispute over two villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from 2005 ICJ decision; in recent years
citizens and rogue security forces rob and harass local populations on both sides of the poorly-defined Burkina
Faso-Niger border; despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic
conflict continues to spread into neighboring states who can no longer send their migrant workers to work in Ivorian
cocoa plantations
dispute over two villages along the Benin-Burkina Faso border that remain from 2005 ICJ decision; in recent years
citizens and rogue security forces rob and harass local populations on both sides of the poorly-defined Burkina
Faso-Niger border; despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic
conflict continues to spread into neighboring states who can no longer send their migrant workers to work in Ivorian
cocoa plantations
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Burkina Faso
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Burkina Faso is a parliamentary republic with a population of 14.25 million. In 2005 President Blaise Compaore was reelected to a
third term with 80 percent of the vote. Observers considered the election generally free, despite minor irregularities, but not entirely
fair due to the ruling party's control of official resources. The president, assisted by members of his party, the Congress for
Democracy and Progress (CDP), continued to dominate the government. The CDP won a majority in the 2007 legislative elections,
which observers declared generally free and orderly despite irregularities, including fraud involving voter identification cards. While
civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces, there were instances in which elements of the
security forces acted independently.
The following human rights problems were reported:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Burkina Faso is a parliamentary republic with a population of 14.25 million. In 2005 President Blaise Compaore was reelected to a
third term with 80 percent of the vote. Observers considered the election generally free, despite minor irregularities, but not entirely
fair due to the ruling party's control of official resources. The president, assisted by members of his party, the Congress for
Democracy and Progress (CDP), continued to dominate the government. The CDP won a majority in the 2007 legislative elections,
which observers declared generally free and orderly despite irregularities, including fraud involving voter identification cards. While
civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces, there were instances in which elements of the
security forces acted independently.
The following human rights problems were reported:
- security force use of excessive force against civilians, criminal suspects, and detainees;
- arbitrary arrest and detention;
- abuse of prisoners and harsh prison conditions;
- official impunity;
- judicial inefficiency and lack of independence;
- occasional restrictions on freedom of the press and assembly;
- official corruption;
- violence and discrimination against women and children, including female genital mutilation;
- trafficking in persons, including children;
- discrimination against persons with disabilities;
- child labor.
29 January 2010
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-third session
11-29 January 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 44 of the Convention Concluding Observations of the
Committee on the Rights of the Child: BURKINA FASO
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of combined third and fourth report periodic report as well as the written replies to its
list of issues (CRC/C/BFA/Q/3-4) which gave a better understanding of the situation of children in the State Party. It also
appreciates the presence of a high-level delegation and the frank and open dialogue with the delegation.
B. Follow-up measures and progress achieved by the State party
3. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of:
- Act No. 029-2008 on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Related Practices of 15 May 2008;
- Act No. 028-2008/AN of 14 May 2008 issuing the Labour Code;
- Act No. 049-2005/AN of 22 December 2005 on Reproductive Health; and
- Act N° 28-2004/AN of 8 September 2004 on Judiciary Organization.
C. Main areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
(arts. 4, 42 and 44, paragraph 6 of the Convention)
The Committee’s Previous Recommendations
6. The Committee welcomes efforts by the State party to implement the Committee’s 2002 concluding observations on the State
party’s second periodic report (CRC/C/15/Add.193). Nevertheless, the Committee regrets that some of its concerns and
recommendations have been insufficiently or only partly addressed.
7. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to address those recommendations from the concluding
observations of the second report that have not yet been implemented or sufficiently implemented, including those related notably to
the definition of the child, the allocation of resources for children, early and forced marriages, ill treatment of children in police
stations, child abuse and neglect and child labour. The Committee also recommends that the State party provide adequate follow-up
to the recommendations contained in the present concluding observations on the combined third and fourth periodic report.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-third session
11-29 January 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 44 of the Convention Concluding Observations of the
Committee on the Rights of the Child: BURKINA FASO
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of combined third and fourth report periodic report as well as the written replies to its
list of issues (CRC/C/BFA/Q/3-4) which gave a better understanding of the situation of children in the State Party. It also
appreciates the presence of a high-level delegation and the frank and open dialogue with the delegation.
B. Follow-up measures and progress achieved by the State party
3. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of:
- Act No. 029-2008 on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Related Practices of 15 May 2008;
- Act No. 028-2008/AN of 14 May 2008 issuing the Labour Code;
- Act No. 049-2005/AN of 22 December 2005 on Reproductive Health; and
- Act N° 28-2004/AN of 8 September 2004 on Judiciary Organization.
C. Main areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
(arts. 4, 42 and 44, paragraph 6 of the Convention)
The Committee’s Previous Recommendations
6. The Committee welcomes efforts by the State party to implement the Committee’s 2002 concluding observations on the State
party’s second periodic report (CRC/C/15/Add.193). Nevertheless, the Committee regrets that some of its concerns and
recommendations have been insufficiently or only partly addressed.
7. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to address those recommendations from the concluding
observations of the second report that have not yet been implemented or sufficiently implemented, including those related notably to
the definition of the child, the allocation of resources for children, early and forced marriages, ill treatment of children in police
stations, child abuse and neglect and child labour. The Committee also recommends that the State party provide adequate follow-up
to the recommendations contained in the present concluding observations on the combined third and fourth periodic report.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT- 2009
Political Rights Score: 5
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
In late February 2008, riots against the high cost of living erupted in several major towns, and the authorities responded with scores
of arrests and jail sentences. Fighting at the end of May between farmers and nomads in two southwestern provinces killed 15
people. Security forces also clashed with students at the University of Ouagadougou in June, resulting in the sentencing of four
students to jail terms of up to six months. In July, the president signed a five-year development compact worth $481 million with
the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Civil unrest over the high cost of living erupted in late February 2008, following several months of price increases ranging from 10
to 65 percent. A two-day protest started on February 20 in the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso, with some protesters engaging in
looting and property damage, leading to as many as 264 arrests. Mass demonstrations spread to other cities on February 21. The
government on February 27 suspended taxes on certain imported food staples, but fresh riots broke out the next day in
Ouagadougou due to public dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to lower import taxes rather than the prices of basic
locally produced goods. Authorities arrested up to 184 protesters, according to some reports.
A court in Bobo-Dioulasso sentenced 29 riot suspects to between three and 36 months in prison on February 29. On March 11, a
court in Ouagadougou sentenced Thibault Nana, leader of the small opposition Democratic and Popular Rally (RDP) party, to three
years in prison for allegedly orchestrating the protests and 44 others to one year each for involvement in the unrest. Thousands
protested again on March 15 in Ouagadougou and other towns against the high cost of living, but the demonstrations were peaceful
and there were no reported arrests. Assane Sawadogo, the minister of security, was dismissed in September after facing criticism
for his harsh response to the February riots.
Separately, clashes between farmers and nomads at the end of May in Poni and Bougouriba provinces in the southwest killed 15
people. The violence was ignited by the death of two farmers who were in police custody for previous involvement in clashes with
nomads. In June, an unauthorized protest by students from the University of Ouagadougou ended in clashes with security forces.
While 35 students were arrested, all but four were later acquitted, with the remainder receiving six-month jail sentences.
Compaore in July signed a five-year, $481 million development aid compact with the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation. The
funds would be devoted to improvements in land security, agriculture, roads, and primary education. Burkina Faso is one of the
world’s poorest countries, and approximately 85 percent of the population engages in subsistence agriculture. The economy is
highly dependent on cotton exports, leaving it vulnerable to poor harvests and fluctuations in global prices.
Officials from Burkina Faso and Benin reached an agreement in March to end a long-standing border dispute over a 68-square-
kilometer area of land. The agreement bars either side from engaging in any “visible sovereignty act” in the disputed area, and
residents will be permitted to vote in either country. In a sign of improving relations with Cote d’Ivoire, that country’s president,
Laurent Gbagbo, addressed the Burkinabe parliament during a three-day visit in July. Tensions had developed between the two
countries over accusations by Ivorian authorities that Burkina Faso had backed rebels in the country’s north, and over accusations
that Burkinabe living in Cote d’Ivoire experienced mistreatment.
Also during the year, several hundred Malian refugees fled fighting between the Malian government and Tuareg rebels, settling in
Ouagadougou and in camps near the Malian border.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 5
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
In late February 2008, riots against the high cost of living erupted in several major towns, and the authorities responded with scores
of arrests and jail sentences. Fighting at the end of May between farmers and nomads in two southwestern provinces killed 15
people. Security forces also clashed with students at the University of Ouagadougou in June, resulting in the sentencing of four
students to jail terms of up to six months. In July, the president signed a five-year development compact worth $481 million with
the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Civil unrest over the high cost of living erupted in late February 2008, following several months of price increases ranging from 10
to 65 percent. A two-day protest started on February 20 in the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso, with some protesters engaging in
looting and property damage, leading to as many as 264 arrests. Mass demonstrations spread to other cities on February 21. The
government on February 27 suspended taxes on certain imported food staples, but fresh riots broke out the next day in
Ouagadougou due to public dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to lower import taxes rather than the prices of basic
locally produced goods. Authorities arrested up to 184 protesters, according to some reports.
A court in Bobo-Dioulasso sentenced 29 riot suspects to between three and 36 months in prison on February 29. On March 11, a
court in Ouagadougou sentenced Thibault Nana, leader of the small opposition Democratic and Popular Rally (RDP) party, to three
years in prison for allegedly orchestrating the protests and 44 others to one year each for involvement in the unrest. Thousands
protested again on March 15 in Ouagadougou and other towns against the high cost of living, but the demonstrations were peaceful
and there were no reported arrests. Assane Sawadogo, the minister of security, was dismissed in September after facing criticism
for his harsh response to the February riots.
Separately, clashes between farmers and nomads at the end of May in Poni and Bougouriba provinces in the southwest killed 15
people. The violence was ignited by the death of two farmers who were in police custody for previous involvement in clashes with
nomads. In June, an unauthorized protest by students from the University of Ouagadougou ended in clashes with security forces.
While 35 students were arrested, all but four were later acquitted, with the remainder receiving six-month jail sentences.
Compaore in July signed a five-year, $481 million development aid compact with the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation. The
funds would be devoted to improvements in land security, agriculture, roads, and primary education. Burkina Faso is one of the
world’s poorest countries, and approximately 85 percent of the population engages in subsistence agriculture. The economy is
highly dependent on cotton exports, leaving it vulnerable to poor harvests and fluctuations in global prices.
Officials from Burkina Faso and Benin reached an agreement in March to end a long-standing border dispute over a 68-square-
kilometer area of land. The agreement bars either side from engaging in any “visible sovereignty act” in the disputed area, and
residents will be permitted to vote in either country. In a sign of improving relations with Cote d’Ivoire, that country’s president,
Laurent Gbagbo, addressed the Burkinabe parliament during a three-day visit in July. Tensions had developed between the two
countries over accusations by Ivorian authorities that Burkina Faso had backed rebels in the country’s north, and over accusations
that Burkinabe living in Cote d’Ivoire experienced mistreatment.
Also during the year, several hundred Malian refugees fled fighting between the Malian government and Tuareg rebels, settling in
Ouagadougou and in camps near the Malian border.
Click here to read more »
Burkina Faso: President commits to lifting financial barriers to maternal health in a meeting with Amnesty International
12 February 2010
The President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaoré, has committed to lifting all financial barriers to emergency obstetric care and
access to family planning, as part of a strategy to fight maternal mortality in the country.
President Compaoré expressed this commitment during a meeting with an Amnesty International delegation led by interim Secretary
General Claudio Cordone, and following the publication of an Amnesty International report highlighting the barriers women face in
Burkina Faso to receiving adequate health care during pregnancy and child birth.
"The lifting of financial barriers for emergency obstetric care, accompanied by improvements in the quality of care and family
planning will significantly reduce the number of deaths and complications for women in child birth," said Claudio Cordone. "Every
woman has the right to life and the right to health. No woman should die giving birth when her death could have been prevented."
The government of Burkina Faso has made significant efforts towards improving maternal health during the last decade and
Amnesty International welcomes the openness and constructive engagement it has experienced from the government while working
on this issue. Costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth have been significantly reduced in Burkina Faso but remain an
obstacle for many women in the country.
Pregnant women's lives in Burkina Faso can be endangered by the distance they have to travel to access adequate care, as well as
corrupt practices by some medical personnel and lack of effective mechanisms to ensure monitoring and accountability. More than
2,000 women continue to die every year during pregnancy and childbirth.
"Ultimately, in order to fully address maternal death there is a need to tackle the various forms of discrimination against women
which prevent them from taking part in decisions on family planning and accessing health care" said Claudio Cordone.
"Amnesty International will continue to work with civil society organizations, medical associations and government officials to
address such discrimination and the poverty that fuels it."
The Amnesty International delegation also met Burkina Faso's First Lady Chantal Compaoré, the President of the National
Assembly, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, the Prime Minister, Tertius Zongo, the Minister of Health, Seydou Bouda and the Minister
for the Promotion of Human Rights, Salamata Sawadogo.
Click here to read more »
12 February 2010
The President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaoré, has committed to lifting all financial barriers to emergency obstetric care and
access to family planning, as part of a strategy to fight maternal mortality in the country.
President Compaoré expressed this commitment during a meeting with an Amnesty International delegation led by interim Secretary
General Claudio Cordone, and following the publication of an Amnesty International report highlighting the barriers women face in
Burkina Faso to receiving adequate health care during pregnancy and child birth.
"The lifting of financial barriers for emergency obstetric care, accompanied by improvements in the quality of care and family
planning will significantly reduce the number of deaths and complications for women in child birth," said Claudio Cordone. "Every
woman has the right to life and the right to health. No woman should die giving birth when her death could have been prevented."
The government of Burkina Faso has made significant efforts towards improving maternal health during the last decade and
Amnesty International welcomes the openness and constructive engagement it has experienced from the government while working
on this issue. Costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth have been significantly reduced in Burkina Faso but remain an
obstacle for many women in the country.
Pregnant women's lives in Burkina Faso can be endangered by the distance they have to travel to access adequate care, as well as
corrupt practices by some medical personnel and lack of effective mechanisms to ensure monitoring and accountability. More than
2,000 women continue to die every year during pregnancy and childbirth.
"Ultimately, in order to fully address maternal death there is a need to tackle the various forms of discrimination against women
which prevent them from taking part in decisions on family planning and accessing health care" said Claudio Cordone.
"Amnesty International will continue to work with civil society organizations, medical associations and government officials to
address such discrimination and the poverty that fuels it."
The Amnesty International delegation also met Burkina Faso's First Lady Chantal Compaoré, the President of the National
Assembly, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, the Prime Minister, Tertius Zongo, the Minister of Health, Seydou Bouda and the Minister
for the Promotion of Human Rights, Salamata Sawadogo.
Click here to read more »
Cluster Bomb Ban Reaches Ratification Milestone
Convention to Become Binding International Law on August 1
February 16, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Burkina Faso and Moldova ratified the convention banning cluster munitions on February 16, 2010, the final
two ratifications needed for it to become binding international law. The convention will now enter into force on August 1, 2010.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions was opened for signature in December 2008, and it has taken only 15 months to attain the 30
ratifications necessary for it to become binding international law.
"The short time it took to reach this milestone shows that governments have a strong desire never to see these terrible weapons
used again," said Steve Goose, arms division director at Human Rights Watch and co-chair of the international Cluster Munition
Coalition. "But every signatory needs to ratify, and those who haven't signed need to come on board to keep more civilian lives and
limbs from being needlessly lost."
The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions comprehensively prohibits the use, production, and transfer of cluster munitions,
provides strict deadlines for clearing affected areas and destroying stockpiled cluster munitions, and requires assistance to victims
of the weapons.
Burkina Faso and Moldova deposited their instruments of ratification with the United Nations in New York today, respectively
becoming the 29th and 30th signatories to ratify, and triggering the August 1 date for entry into force.
Click here to read more »
Convention to Become Binding International Law on August 1
February 16, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Burkina Faso and Moldova ratified the convention banning cluster munitions on February 16, 2010, the final
two ratifications needed for it to become binding international law. The convention will now enter into force on August 1, 2010.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions was opened for signature in December 2008, and it has taken only 15 months to attain the 30
ratifications necessary for it to become binding international law.
"The short time it took to reach this milestone shows that governments have a strong desire never to see these terrible weapons
used again," said Steve Goose, arms division director at Human Rights Watch and co-chair of the international Cluster Munition
Coalition. "But every signatory needs to ratify, and those who haven't signed need to come on board to keep more civilian lives and
limbs from being needlessly lost."
The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions comprehensively prohibits the use, production, and transfer of cluster munitions,
provides strict deadlines for clearing affected areas and destroying stockpiled cluster munitions, and requires assistance to victims
of the weapons.
Burkina Faso and Moldova deposited their instruments of ratification with the United Nations in New York today, respectively
becoming the 29th and 30th signatories to ratify, and triggering the August 1 date for entry into force.
Click here to read more »
Burkina Faso / President commits to lifting financial barriers to maternal health in a meeting with Amnesty International
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina-Faso, February 12, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)
The President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaoré, has committed to lifting all financial barriers to emergency obstetric care and access
to family planning, as part of a strategy to fight maternal mortality in the country.
President Compaoré expressed this commitment during a meeting with an Amnesty International delegation led by interim Secretary
General Claudio Cordone, and following the publication of an Amnesty International report highlighting the barriers women face in
Burkina Faso to receiving adequate health care during pregnancy and child birth.
“The lifting of financial barriers for emergency obstetric care, accompanied by improvements in the quality of care and family
planning will significantly reduce the number of deaths and complications for women in child birth,” said Claudio Cordone. “Every
woman has the right to life and the right to health. No woman should die giving birth when her death could have been prevented.”
The government of Burkina Faso has made significant efforts towards improving maternal health during the last decade and Amnesty
International welcomes the openness and constructive engagement it has experienced from the government while working on this
issue. Costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth have been significantly reduced in Burkina Faso but remain an obstacle for
many women in the country.
Pregnant women’s lives in Burkina Faso can be endangered by the distance they have to travel to access adequate care, as well as
corrupt practices by some medical personnel and lack of effective mechanisms to ensure monitoring and accountability. More than
2,000 women continue to die every year during pregnancy and childbirth.
“Ultimately, in order to fully address maternal death there is a need to tackle the various forms of discrimination against women which
prevent them from taking part in decisions on family planning and accessing health care” said Claudio Cordone.
Click here to read more »
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina-Faso, February 12, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)
The President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaoré, has committed to lifting all financial barriers to emergency obstetric care and access
to family planning, as part of a strategy to fight maternal mortality in the country.
President Compaoré expressed this commitment during a meeting with an Amnesty International delegation led by interim Secretary
General Claudio Cordone, and following the publication of an Amnesty International report highlighting the barriers women face in
Burkina Faso to receiving adequate health care during pregnancy and child birth.
“The lifting of financial barriers for emergency obstetric care, accompanied by improvements in the quality of care and family
planning will significantly reduce the number of deaths and complications for women in child birth,” said Claudio Cordone. “Every
woman has the right to life and the right to health. No woman should die giving birth when her death could have been prevented.”
The government of Burkina Faso has made significant efforts towards improving maternal health during the last decade and Amnesty
International welcomes the openness and constructive engagement it has experienced from the government while working on this
issue. Costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth have been significantly reduced in Burkina Faso but remain an obstacle for
many women in the country.
Pregnant women’s lives in Burkina Faso can be endangered by the distance they have to travel to access adequate care, as well as
corrupt practices by some medical personnel and lack of effective mechanisms to ensure monitoring and accountability. More than
2,000 women continue to die every year during pregnancy and childbirth.
“Ultimately, in order to fully address maternal death there is a need to tackle the various forms of discrimination against women which
prevent them from taking part in decisions on family planning and accessing health care” said Claudio Cordone.
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Burkina / Case Norbert Zongo FIDH and MBDHP denounce the denial of justice in the case of Norbert Zongo
By Aly Wednesday, August 26, 2009
More than 7 years after the event and 4-year investigation, the investigating judge Ilboudo, delivered July 19, 2006 a non-place in
the case of Norbert Zongo, on the grounds that a key witness would partially retracted in his accusations against warrant officer
Marcel Kafando.Norbert
As a reminder, December 13, 1998, the journalist Norbert Zongo, editor of the newspaper "The Independent", and three of his
companions were murdered. They found their charred bodies in a vehicle on the road Sapouy.
Forced by popular and important events in response to requests from national and international protection of human rights - first
and foremost the FIDH and its affiliate, the Burkinabe Movement for Human Rights and Peoples ( MBDHP), the government has
set up a commission of independent investigation (IEC) responsible for shedding light on the facts and responsibilities on the Zongo
case. On January 17, 1999, the CIS has found "a murder for purely political motives because he practiced a Zongo committed
journalism and investigation. "Six" serious suspects "of the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) have been designated by the CIS,
including the chief Marcel Kafando, indicted in February 2002 for murder and arson.
"The delays and the emptiness of the investigation by the Justice Case Zongo of Burkina Faso were already of concern to the law to
justice guaranteed by the provisions of international protection of human rights. Today, this denial of justice is a blow to the rule of
law in Burkina Faso, "said Sidiki Kaba, FIDH President.
The FIDH and the MBDHP remind the international obligations of Burkina Faso concerning the guarantees of judicial independence
and respect for the law to justice in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter
on Rights Human and peoples. The FIDH and the MBDHP require that all avenues of appeal against the decision not to prosecute
are activated. The FIDH and the MBDHP ensure their constant mobilization that light be shed on the assassination of Norbert Zongo
and his three companions and not fail in case of impunity in this case, to understand the mechanisms of regional and international
Protection of Human Rights.
Click here to read more »
Burkina / Case Norbert Zongo FIDH and MBDHP denounce the denial of justice in the case of Norbert Zongo
By Aly Wednesday, August 26, 2009
More than 7 years after the event and 4-year investigation, the investigating judge Ilboudo, delivered July 19, 2006 a non-place in
the case of Norbert Zongo, on the grounds that a key witness would partially retracted in his accusations against warrant officer
Marcel Kafando.Norbert
As a reminder, December 13, 1998, the journalist Norbert Zongo, editor of the newspaper "The Independent", and three of his
companions were murdered. They found their charred bodies in a vehicle on the road Sapouy.
Forced by popular and important events in response to requests from national and international protection of human rights - first
and foremost the FIDH and its affiliate, the Burkinabe Movement for Human Rights and Peoples ( MBDHP), the government has
set up a commission of independent investigation (IEC) responsible for shedding light on the facts and responsibilities on the Zongo
case. On January 17, 1999, the CIS has found "a murder for purely political motives because he practiced a Zongo committed
journalism and investigation. "Six" serious suspects "of the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) have been designated by the CIS,
including the chief Marcel Kafando, indicted in February 2002 for murder and arson.
"The delays and the emptiness of the investigation by the Justice Case Zongo of Burkina Faso were already of concern to the law to
justice guaranteed by the provisions of international protection of human rights. Today, this denial of justice is a blow to the rule of
law in Burkina Faso, "said Sidiki Kaba, FIDH President.
The FIDH and the MBDHP remind the international obligations of Burkina Faso concerning the guarantees of judicial independence
and respect for the law to justice in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter
on Rights Human and peoples. The FIDH and the MBDHP require that all avenues of appeal against the decision not to prosecute
are activated. The FIDH and the MBDHP ensure their constant mobilization that light be shed on the assassination of Norbert Zongo
and his three companions and not fail in case of impunity in this case, to understand the mechanisms of regional and international
Protection of Human Rights.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Annual report 2008
Ombudsman of Burkina Faso to the Head of State
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Mediator has released its 2008 annual report of the Head of State Tuesday, December 15, 2009, in presence of Prime Minister
and the President of the National Assembly.
The document of the report consists of five parts: the first is devoted to the theme that guided the actions of institution during the
reference year. "The Mediator, a local institution serving citizen. Following the information campaign that has generated great
expectations among citizens, the Ombudsman has chosen to go to the users to offer them a personalized service through what we
called "mobile courts". Meanwhile, it has improved its working relationship with government public meetings focusing on physical
versus matches. These two new working methods have significantly increased the number of cases received and treated with
diligence and efficiency.
The second part describes the events marking the life of the institution. It can hold mainly exchanges that the Ombudsman has been
elected parliamentarians with the aim of improving relations, and the creation Association of Mediators of the UEMOA member
countries.
The statistical records of complaints are the third part of the document, follow the relations and external reflections and
recommendations this year, figure prominently.
The statistical records of complaints
During 2008, the institution has received 585 cases against 373 in 2007, a growth rate of 56.83
%.
In addition to previous records, numbering 273, is a total of 858 files that have been educated. 472 are closed that is to say that
their study is completed. There are:
- 104 successful mediations
-18 Unsuccessful mediation, administration or the claimant did not accept the recommendation of the Ombudsman
-139 Mediations not justified, the Ombudsman has concluded that the administration has worked well
The others have been closed for several reasons such as incompetence, lack of hardware, etc..
The reflections and recommendations
The Ombudsman for three years now, has decided to pursue reflection on the recurring disputes government, to attract their
attention so that they take corrective action. Some points have already been discussed in the previous report
Click here to read more »
Annual report 2008
Ombudsman of Burkina Faso to the Head of State
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Mediator has released its 2008 annual report of the Head of State Tuesday, December 15, 2009, in presence of Prime Minister
and the President of the National Assembly.
The document of the report consists of five parts: the first is devoted to the theme that guided the actions of institution during the
reference year. "The Mediator, a local institution serving citizen. Following the information campaign that has generated great
expectations among citizens, the Ombudsman has chosen to go to the users to offer them a personalized service through what we
called "mobile courts". Meanwhile, it has improved its working relationship with government public meetings focusing on physical
versus matches. These two new working methods have significantly increased the number of cases received and treated with
diligence and efficiency.
The second part describes the events marking the life of the institution. It can hold mainly exchanges that the Ombudsman has been
elected parliamentarians with the aim of improving relations, and the creation Association of Mediators of the UEMOA member
countries.
The statistical records of complaints are the third part of the document, follow the relations and external reflections and
recommendations this year, figure prominently.
The statistical records of complaints
During 2008, the institution has received 585 cases against 373 in 2007, a growth rate of 56.83
%.
In addition to previous records, numbering 273, is a total of 858 files that have been educated. 472 are closed that is to say that
their study is completed. There are:
- 104 successful mediations
-18 Unsuccessful mediation, administration or the claimant did not accept the recommendation of the Ombudsman
-139 Mediations not justified, the Ombudsman has concluded that the administration has worked well
The others have been closed for several reasons such as incompetence, lack of hardware, etc..
The reflections and recommendations
The Ombudsman for three years now, has decided to pursue reflection on the recurring disputes government, to attract their
attention so that they take corrective action. Some points have already been discussed in the previous report
Click here to read more »
Mossi (sing. Moaaga) are a people in central Burkina Faso, living mostly in the villages of the Volta River Basin. The
Mossi are the largest ethnic group in Burkina Faso, constituting 40% of the population, or about 6.2 million people. The
other 60% of Burkina Faso's population is composed of more than 60 ethnic groups, mainly the Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi,
Bobo, and Fulani. The Mossi speak the More language. According to tradition, the Mossi derive from the marriage of
a Dagomba princess and Mandé hunter. Yennenga was a warrior princess, daughter of a Dagomba king in upper east
Ghana. While exploring her kingdom on horseback, she lost her way and was rescued by Rialé, a solitary Mandé
hunter. They got married and gave birth to the first authentic Mossi: Ouedraogo who is recognised as the father of
Mossi people. Despite its status as a legend, it contains factual information: the Mossi originate from the Ashanti group,
a Ghanaian entity composed of many subgroups. The Mossi also are also directly descended from the Dagomba
people and similarly live in Upper East Ghana with a capital of Tamale. As the Mossi people's history has been kept by
oral tradition, it is impossible to assign precise dates for the period before colonization. Nevertheless historians assign
the beginning of their existence as a state to the 15th century. The Mossi were able to conquer a vast amounts of
territory thanks to their mastering of the horse, and created a prosperous empire and kept peace in the region until the
beginning of colonialism. The expansion of the Mossi empire was stopped in the 19th century with the initiation of
intensive colonisation by the French. For centuries, the Mossi peasant was both farmer and soldier, and the Mossi
people were able to defend their religious beliefs and social structure against forcible attempts to convert them to Islam
by Muslims from the northwest. When the French arrived and claimed the area in 1896, Mossi resistance ended with
the capture of their capital at Ouagadougou. In 1919, certain provinces from Côte d'Ivoire were united into a separate
colony called the Upper Volta in the French West Africa federation. In 1932, the new colony was dismembered in a
move to economize; it was reconstituted in 1937 as an administrative division called the Upper Coast. After World
War II, the Mossi renewed their pressure for separate territorial status and on September 4, 1947, Upper Volta
became a French West African territory again in its own right. A revision in the organization of French Overseas
Territories began with the passage of the Basic Law (Loi Cadre) of July 23, 1956. This act was followed by
reorganizational measures approved by the French parliament early in 1957 that ensured a large degree of
self-government for individual territories. Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French community on
December 11, 1958. Upper Volta achieved independence on August 5, 1960. The first president, Maurice Yaméogo,
was the leader of the Voltaic Democratic Union (UDV). The 1960 constitution provided for election by universal
suffrage of a president and a national assembly for 5-year terms. Soon after coming to power, Yaméogo banned all
political parties other than the UDV. The government lasted until 1966 when after much unrest-mass demonstrations
and strikes by students, labor unions, and civil servants-the military intervened. The military coup deposed Yaméogo,
suspended the constitution, dissolved the National Assembly, and placed Lt. Col. Sangoulé Lamizana at the head of a
government of senior army officers. The army remained in power for 4 years, and on June 14, 1970, the Voltans
ratified a new constitution that established a 4-year transition period toward complete civilian rule. Lamizana remained
in power throughout the 1970s as president of military or mixed civil-military governments. After conflict over the 1970
constitution, a new constitution was written and approved in 1977, and Lamizana was reelected by open elections in
1978. Lamizana's government faced problems with the country's traditionally powerful trade unions, and on November
25, 1980, Col. Saye Zerbo overthrew President Lamizana in a bloodless coup. Colonel Zerbo established the Military
Committee of Recovery for National Progress as the supreme governmental authority, thus eradicating the 1977
constitution. Colonel Zerbo also encountered resistance from trade unions and was overthrown two years later, on
November 7, 1982, by Maj. Dr. Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo and the Council of Popular Salvation (CSP). The CSP
continued to ban political parties and organizations, yet promised a transition to civilian rule and a new constitution.
Factional infighting developed between moderates in the CSP and the radicals, led by Capt. Thomas Sankara, who
was appointed prime minister in January 1983. The internal political struggle and Sankara's leftist rhetoric led to his
arrest and subsequent efforts to bring about his release, directed by Capt. Blaise Compaoré. This release effort resulted
in yet another military coup d'état on August 4, 1983. After the coup, Sankara formed the National Council for the
Revolution (CNR), with himself as president. Sankara also established Committees for the Defense of the Revolution
(CDRs) to "mobilize the masses" and implement the CNR's revolutionary programs. The CNR, whose exact
membership remained secret until the end, contained two small intellectual Marxist-Leninist groups. Sankara,
Compaore, Capt. Henri Zongo, and Maj. Jean-Baptiste Lingani-all leftist military officers-dominated the regime. On
August 4, 1984, Upper Volta changed its name to Burkina Faso, meaning "the country of honorable people." Sankara,
a charismatic leader, sought by word, deed, and example to mobilize the masses and launch a massive bootstrap
development movement. On Christmas Day 1985, tensions with Mali over the mineral-rich Agacher Strip erupted in a
war that lasted five days and killed about 100 people. The conflict ended after mediation by President Félix
Houphouët-Boigny of Ivory Coast. The conflict is known as the "Christmas war" in Burkina Faso. Repeated military
coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Burkina Faso's high
population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens.
Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal
Burkinabe farm workers to find employment in neighboring countries.
Sources: Wikipedia History of Burkina Faso; CIA World Factbook (select Burkina Faso)
Mossi are the largest ethnic group in Burkina Faso, constituting 40% of the population, or about 6.2 million people. The
other 60% of Burkina Faso's population is composed of more than 60 ethnic groups, mainly the Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi,
Bobo, and Fulani. The Mossi speak the More language. According to tradition, the Mossi derive from the marriage of
a Dagomba princess and Mandé hunter. Yennenga was a warrior princess, daughter of a Dagomba king in upper east
Ghana. While exploring her kingdom on horseback, she lost her way and was rescued by Rialé, a solitary Mandé
hunter. They got married and gave birth to the first authentic Mossi: Ouedraogo who is recognised as the father of
Mossi people. Despite its status as a legend, it contains factual information: the Mossi originate from the Ashanti group,
a Ghanaian entity composed of many subgroups. The Mossi also are also directly descended from the Dagomba
people and similarly live in Upper East Ghana with a capital of Tamale. As the Mossi people's history has been kept by
oral tradition, it is impossible to assign precise dates for the period before colonization. Nevertheless historians assign
the beginning of their existence as a state to the 15th century. The Mossi were able to conquer a vast amounts of
territory thanks to their mastering of the horse, and created a prosperous empire and kept peace in the region until the
beginning of colonialism. The expansion of the Mossi empire was stopped in the 19th century with the initiation of
intensive colonisation by the French. For centuries, the Mossi peasant was both farmer and soldier, and the Mossi
people were able to defend their religious beliefs and social structure against forcible attempts to convert them to Islam
by Muslims from the northwest. When the French arrived and claimed the area in 1896, Mossi resistance ended with
the capture of their capital at Ouagadougou. In 1919, certain provinces from Côte d'Ivoire were united into a separate
colony called the Upper Volta in the French West Africa federation. In 1932, the new colony was dismembered in a
move to economize; it was reconstituted in 1937 as an administrative division called the Upper Coast. After World
War II, the Mossi renewed their pressure for separate territorial status and on September 4, 1947, Upper Volta
became a French West African territory again in its own right. A revision in the organization of French Overseas
Territories began with the passage of the Basic Law (Loi Cadre) of July 23, 1956. This act was followed by
reorganizational measures approved by the French parliament early in 1957 that ensured a large degree of
self-government for individual territories. Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French community on
December 11, 1958. Upper Volta achieved independence on August 5, 1960. The first president, Maurice Yaméogo,
was the leader of the Voltaic Democratic Union (UDV). The 1960 constitution provided for election by universal
suffrage of a president and a national assembly for 5-year terms. Soon after coming to power, Yaméogo banned all
political parties other than the UDV. The government lasted until 1966 when after much unrest-mass demonstrations
and strikes by students, labor unions, and civil servants-the military intervened. The military coup deposed Yaméogo,
suspended the constitution, dissolved the National Assembly, and placed Lt. Col. Sangoulé Lamizana at the head of a
government of senior army officers. The army remained in power for 4 years, and on June 14, 1970, the Voltans
ratified a new constitution that established a 4-year transition period toward complete civilian rule. Lamizana remained
in power throughout the 1970s as president of military or mixed civil-military governments. After conflict over the 1970
constitution, a new constitution was written and approved in 1977, and Lamizana was reelected by open elections in
1978. Lamizana's government faced problems with the country's traditionally powerful trade unions, and on November
25, 1980, Col. Saye Zerbo overthrew President Lamizana in a bloodless coup. Colonel Zerbo established the Military
Committee of Recovery for National Progress as the supreme governmental authority, thus eradicating the 1977
constitution. Colonel Zerbo also encountered resistance from trade unions and was overthrown two years later, on
November 7, 1982, by Maj. Dr. Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo and the Council of Popular Salvation (CSP). The CSP
continued to ban political parties and organizations, yet promised a transition to civilian rule and a new constitution.
Factional infighting developed between moderates in the CSP and the radicals, led by Capt. Thomas Sankara, who
was appointed prime minister in January 1983. The internal political struggle and Sankara's leftist rhetoric led to his
arrest and subsequent efforts to bring about his release, directed by Capt. Blaise Compaoré. This release effort resulted
in yet another military coup d'état on August 4, 1983. After the coup, Sankara formed the National Council for the
Revolution (CNR), with himself as president. Sankara also established Committees for the Defense of the Revolution
(CDRs) to "mobilize the masses" and implement the CNR's revolutionary programs. The CNR, whose exact
membership remained secret until the end, contained two small intellectual Marxist-Leninist groups. Sankara,
Compaore, Capt. Henri Zongo, and Maj. Jean-Baptiste Lingani-all leftist military officers-dominated the regime. On
August 4, 1984, Upper Volta changed its name to Burkina Faso, meaning "the country of honorable people." Sankara,
a charismatic leader, sought by word, deed, and example to mobilize the masses and launch a massive bootstrap
development movement. On Christmas Day 1985, tensions with Mali over the mineral-rich Agacher Strip erupted in a
war that lasted five days and killed about 100 people. The conflict ended after mediation by President Félix
Houphouët-Boigny of Ivory Coast. The conflict is known as the "Christmas war" in Burkina Faso. Repeated military
coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Burkina Faso's high
population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens.
Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal
Burkinabe farm workers to find employment in neighboring countries.
Sources: Wikipedia History of Burkina Faso; CIA World Factbook (select Burkina Faso)
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| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.