London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Feb 21, 2026

Burkina Faso in Crisis: The Perils and Promise of Military Rule

A deep-dive into the showdown between a military junta and the demands of a nation grappling with instability
In a dramatic twist of political turbulence, Burkina Faso's military junta recently dismissed the Prime Minister and dissolved the government, underscoring the volatile climate gripping this West African nation.

The upheaval in Burkina Faso is illustrative of a broader trend across West Africa, where military coups have surged, driven by a cocktail of extremist violence and public disenchantment with democratic regimes.

The junta came to power in twenty twenty-two with lofty promises of restoring order in a country besieged by escalating extremist threats.

However, the security landscape remains perilous, feeding criticisms that coups, while intended as swift recalibrations, rarely usher in lasting stability.

Critics note that such regime changes often intensify pre-existing issues, raising pertinent questions about the junta's efficacy.

Yet, one must consider the widespread public discontent catalyzing these coups.

Burkina Faso's citizens have felt marginalized by previous governments, perceived as ineffectual in delivering security and economic prosperity.

This sense of neglect has been adeptly exploited by a junta whose populism resonates, albeit controversially, with a populace yearning for change.

Nevertheless, the evidence in Burkina Faso paints a complex picture.

The military lacks the capacity to exert substantial control, leaving vast swathes of the nation beyond governmental reach.

Furthermore, protracted extensions of transitional periods and delays in proposed elections sow seeds of distrust, eroding democratic processes critical for sustainable engagement in nation-building.

Drawing back the lens to examine historical influences, the legacy of colonialism and continuous foreign interventions have fostered an environment where local governance struggles to take root.

Recent moves by Burkina Faso to detach itself from its Western allies add a layer of geopolitical tension, suggesting that internal strife is compounded by external dynamics.

While Burkina Faso's rejection of global norms under the leadership of figures like Traoré risks alienating vital international partners, the agency of the Burkinabe people remains a beacon of hope.

Harnessing their resilience through reforms that genuinely reflect indigenous values could be pivotal.

The crux of the matter lies in transitioning from military dominance to authentic democratic representation.

Sustainable change emerges from consensus, empowerment, and adherence to the rule of law.

As Burkina Faso navigates this treacherous path, the words of Nelson Mandela serve as a poignant reminder: 'It always seems impossible until it's done.' In unity and perseverance lies the potential for peace and progress.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
UK Confirms Preferential U.S. Trading Terms Will Continue After Supreme Court Tariff Ruling
U.S. and U.K. to Hold Talks on Diego Garcia as Iran Objects to Potential Military Use
UK Officials Weigh Possible Changes to Prince Andrew’s Position in Line of Succession Amid Ongoing Scrutiny
British Police Probe Epstein’s UK Airport Links and Expand High-Profile Inquiries
Trump Directs Government to Release UFO and Alien Information
Trump Signs Global 10% Tariffs on Imports
United Kingdom Denies U.S. Access to Military Base for Potential Iran Strike
British Co-founder of ASOS falls to his death from Pattaya apartment
Early 2026 Data Suggests Tentative Recovery for UK Businesses and Households
UK Introduces Digital-First Passport Rules for Dual Citizens in Border Control Overhaul
Unable to Access Live Financial Data for January UK Surplus Report
UK Government Considers Law to Remove Prince Andrew from Royal Line of Succession
UK ‘Working Closely with US’ to Assess Impact of Supreme Court Tariff Ruling
Trump Criticises UK Decision to Restrict Use of Bases in Potential Iran Strike Scenario
UK Foreign Secretary and U.S. State Chief Hold Strategic Talks as Tensions Rise Over Joint Air Base
Two teens arrested in France for alleged terror plot.
Nordic Fracture: How Criminal Scandals and Toxic Ties are Dismantling the Norwegian Crown
US Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariff Plan, Reshaping Trade Power and Fiscal Risk
King Charles III Opens London Fashion Week as Royal Family Faces Fresh Scrutiny
Trump’s Evolving Stance on UK Chagos Islands Deal Draws Renewed Scrutiny
House Democrat Says Former UK Ambassador Unable to Testify in Congressional Epstein Inquiry
No Record of Prince Andrew Arrest in UK as Claims Circulate Online
UK Has Not Granted US Approval to Launch Iran Strikes from RAF Bases, Government Confirms
AI Pricing Pressure Mounts as Chinese Models Undercut US Rivals and Margin Risks Grow
Global Counsel, Advisory Firm Co-Founded by Lord Mandelson, Enters Administration After Client Exodus
London High Court dispute over Ricardo Salinas’s $400mn Elektra share-backed bitcoin loan
UK Intensifies Efforts to Secure Saudi Investment in Next-Generation Fighter Jet Programme
Former Student Files Civil Claim Against UK Authorities After Rape Charges Against Peers Are Dropped
Archer Aviation Chooses Bristol for New UK Engineering Hub to Drive Electric Air Taxi Expansion
UK Sees Surge in Medical Device Testing as Government Pushes Global Competitiveness
UK Competition Watchdog Flags Concerns Over Proposed Getty Images–Shutterstock Merger
Trump Reasserts Opposition to UK Chagos Islands Proposal, Urges Stronger Strategic Alignment
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis advocates for a ban on minors using social media.
Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash Accuses Prime Minister of Lying to Australians
Meanwhile in Time Square, NYC One of the most famous landmarks
Jensen Huang just told the story of how Elon Musk became NVIDIA’s very first customer for their powerful AI supercomputer
A Lunar New Year event in Taiwan briefly came to a halt after a temple official standing beside President Lai Ching‑te suddenly vomited, splashing Lai’s clothing
Jillian Michaels reveals Bill Gates’ $55 million investment in mRNA vaccines turned into over $1 billion.
Ex-Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrested
Former British Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office
Four Chagos Islanders Establish Permanent Settlement on Atoll
Unitree Robotics founder Wang Xingxing showcases future robot deployment during Spring Festival Gala.
UK Inflation Slows Sharply in January, Strengthening Case for Bank of England Rate Cut
Hide the truth, fake the facts, pretend the opposite, Britain is as usual
France President Macron says Free Speech is Bull Sh!t
Viktor Orbán getting massive praise for keeping Hungary safe, rich and migrant-free!
UK Inflation Falls to Ten-Month Low, Markets Anticipate Interest Rate Cut
UK House Prices Climb 2.4% in December as Market Shows Signs of Stabilisation
BAE Systems Predicts Sustained Expansion as Defence Orders Reach Record High
Pro-Palestine Activists Cleared of Burglary Charges Over Break-In at UK Israeli Arms Facility
×