Burkina Faso: vulnerabilities and risks of turbulences

Burkina Faso is a singular model of relative stability, dependence and influence in its sub-region. Its geographical landlockedness and its interdependence with its neighbors enlighten the ambition of Burkina Faso to play an influential role in regional diplomacy as well as the prominent involvement of the country in mediating political crises particularly in Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Togo, and Mali. Burkina Faso is particularly dependent on inter-regional trade for its economic opportunities. So far spared by the episodes of instability that accompanied the return to multiparty politics in sub-Saharan Africa in the decade of the 90s, the country could face a turbulent alternation in 2015, when the mandate of President Compaoré, who has been in power since 1987 ends. 

Crédit photo: le Président du Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaoré et son homologue ivoirien, Alassane Ouattara, lors du sommet de l'UA en juin 2011 (Source : site officiel de la présidence du Burkina Faso)