Burkina Faso
A poor country even by West African standards, landlocked Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) has suffered from recurring droughts, matched in number only by the military coups it has endured, especially during the 1980s.
Burkina Faso has spent many of its post-independence years under military rule. After taking power in a 1983 coup, Thomas Sankara adopted a policy of nonalignment, developed relations with Libya and Ghana, and gave the country its present name, which translates as "land of honest men.” In 1987 Sankara was overthrown and then executed in a coup planned and led by Blaise Compaore, who has since instituted a multi-party system. He disarmed local militias and, despite his reputed left-wing leanings, embarked on a program of privatization and austerity measures sponsored by the International Monetary Fund. After officially rejecting socialism he was elected president unopposed in 1991. The president exercises executive power, appoints the prime minister and keeps a tight hold over the military and government bodies. He portrays himself as the guarantor of political stability and economic progress.
Campaore won a third successive term in presidential elections in November 2005. Poll officials said he had taken more than 80% of the vote. He was one of 12 candidates. When he was elected for his second term in 1998 the poll was boycotted by the main opposition parties.
Burkina Faso has significant reserves of gold, but cotton production is the economic mainstay for many Burkinabes. The industry is vulnerable to changes in world prices.
Burkina Faso's commercial viability is linked to the stability of its neighbors. The ports of Abidjan (Ivory Coast) and Lome (Togo) serve as key shipping points for Burkina Faso's imports/exports. Burkina's chamber of commerce has sought to diversify its port access by opening branches in the port cities of Cotonou (Benin) and Tema (Ghana).
Burkina Faso has faced domestic and external concern over the state of its economy and human rights, and allegations that it was involved in the smuggling of diamonds by rebels in Sierra Leone.
Troubles in neighboring Ivory Coast have raised tensions. Ivory Coast has accused Burkina Faso of backing rebels in its north, a claim denied by Ouagadougou, which accuses its neighbor of mistreating Burkinabes living, or working as migrant farm laborers, in Ivory Coast.
There is a moderate potential for civil unrest which could affect foreigners. Ouagadougou University and several secondary schools have been the main focal points of minor civil unrest in recent years; such protests mainly affect traffic, and may occasion more police harassment than usual. Avoid all demonstrations.
Street crime is the main security issue of concern for travelers (see below).
The Ivory Coast/Burkina Faso border, which had been closed due to the crisis in Ivory Coast, was re-opened in September 2003, but remains unsafe with reports of cross border trafficking of small arms. There are still crisis-related refugee movements in the border area.
Travel at night, especially outside towns, is not advised. With a few exceptions, roads are poor with few street lights. There is the risk of banditry and also of hitting stray livestock. Road conditions off the main roads are often difficult, especially in the rainy season (June-September). Vehicles do not always have headlights and are often in unsound mechanical condition. Do not leave clearly marked roads or tracks (or even to venture along minor roads in remote areas) except in convoy. If you break down you may not otherwise be able to attract help. Carry sufficient drinking water to last you if you break down.
