History of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is landlocked inside West Africa. Upper Volta was the name until 1984; it was changed to Burkina Faso. The country claims a rich and varied past spanning millennia. 

Pre-colonial Period 

Before European colonists came, many ethnic groups including the Mossi, Gurma, and Fulani called the area now known as Burkina Faso home. These societies carried unique customs and civilizations. Rising around the eleventh century, the Mossi Kingdoms became to be among the major forces in the area. Their orderly society and competent fighters were well-known. Small chiefdoms, each run under a king or chief, made up the kingdom.

French Colonization

France started colonizing Burkina Faso among other areas of West Africa in the late 19th century. They were unable to completely seize authority over the area until 1896. Upper Volta, now Burkina Faso, was used for agricultural needs and joined French West Africa under French control. The indigenous people endured terrible treatment by their colonists and were compelled to labor on estates.

Etymology of Burkina Faso

In the native languages, "Burkina Faso" means "Land of Incorrentiable People". President Thomas Sankara decided on it as the new name for the nation in 1984 in an effort to distance it from its colonial background and advance national unity.

Early history 

Early years of independence brought political unrest and multiple military coups for Burkina Faso. But Thomas Sankara arrived in power in a coup in 1983 and instituted extreme social and economic reforms. Promoting women's rights, education, and self-sufficiency, Sankara's government concentrated to underline his goal for a new society, he also changed the nation's name from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso and chose the slogan "Land of Upright People."

8th to 18th centuries 

The Mossi people founded a strong kingdom in the present-day Burkina Faso in the eighth century. Skilled traders and fighters, they stretched their domain by conquest. Rising as a prominent force in West Africa during the 15th century, the Songhai Empire ruled most of the sub region including regions of present Burkina Faso.  Late in the 18th century, French adventurers began to settle in the region; over time, they gradually seized Upper Volta. 

From colony to independence (1890–1958)

France started colonizing Upper Volta in the late 19th century and included it in French West Africa. The nation was exploited for agricultural output, and forced labor was applied against its indigenous population.

Upper Volta (1958–1984) 

Upper Volta battled political unrest and financial difficulties even after winning its independence. The nation went through multiple military upheavals and leadership transitions. Thomas Sankara came to power in a coup in 1983 and carried out drastic policies meant to turn the nation into a self-sufficient, financially rich one.

Burkina Faso (1984–present) 

In 1984, Thomas Sankara changed Upper Volta to Burkina Faso. But his rule was brief when he was killed in yet another military revolution in 1987. Burkina Faso has then had continuous political and socioeconomic difficulties, including ethnic conflicts, poverty, and terrorism. Still, the nation keeps moving forward toward development and bettering its citizens' quality of living.

Lamizana's rule and multiple coups 

Following Sankara's murder, Captain Blaise Compaoré assumed the presidency for 27 years until he was removed in a public revolt in 2014.  Burkina Faso lately has seen political unrest and several military upheavals. Still, the nation is strong since its people aspire for stability and development.

1983 coup d'état 

Captain Thomas Sankara led a coup d'état in 1983, therefore taking over Upper Volta. He put drastic policies meant to change the nation and advance social fairness in action. Among the major successes of Sankara's presidency were less corruption, more educational and healthcare access, and better women's rights. Simultaneously attacking his government for implementing dictatorial policies was 

Burkina Faso, formerly 1984

Blaise Compaoré came to rule Burkina Faso following Sankara's murder in 1987. He presided over 27 years until a public revolt brought him down in 2014. Burkina Faso has then had ongoing political and social challenges including ethnic strife, poverty, and terrorism strikes. Still, the nation keeps moving toward stability and growth.

Compaoré presidency

Over his 27-year rule, Blaise Compaoré carried economic reforms and maintained close ties to former colonial power, France. Concurrent charges against his government were corruption and infringement of human rights. Rising demonstrations against Compaoré's constitutional amendment campaign in 2014 resulted in his exile and resignation. In Burkina Faso's past, this signaled a dramatic transformation. 

Kafando presidency 

Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida replaced Compaoré as temporary president. Later, though, he was succeeded by Michel Kafando, a former diplomat guiding his nation toward democratic elections. Kafando supervised a good shift to civilian control and started initiatives to solve national issues including poverty and terrorism throughout his short term.

2015 coup d'état 

Just before planned elections in September 2015, presidential guard members launched a coup against the transitional administration. Widespread citizen demonstrations and international pressure, however, finally resulted in their capitulation and return to civilian control. This failed coup brought attention to Burkina Faso's continuous political unrest and the necessity of ongoing work toward democracy's strengthening and peace promotion.

Kaboré presidency and Jihadist insurgency (2015–2023)

Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was voted as the first civilian president of the nation in 2015 upon independence. Still, continuing Islamist strikes and bloodshed in the nation have tarnished his administration. Extremist groups that have emerged in Burkina Faso have links to regional instability and strife in Mali and Niger, among other nations.  Apart from supporting social progress and economic development, the government maintains trying to overcome security challenges. 

Geography and Culture 

Landlocked in West Africa, Burkina Faso is surrounded by six other nations Mali, Niger, and Ghana. From woods and mountains to savannas and plains, the country features a varied topography. Rich in customs and cultural inheritance, the people of Burkina Faso are. For many Burkinabé people, daily life revolves around traditional music and dance, as well as various festivities of many facets of their culture all year long. 

Climate 

Burkina Faso presents a usually tropical temperature with two different seasons: a wet from May to October and a dry from November to April. Temps vary widely over the country; the north gets hotter, drier temps while the south enjoys more moderate ones. 

Natural Resources

Burkina Faso's principal cash crop is cotton; agriculture drives most of its economy. Manganese, zinc, and gold are essential minerals. Additionally highly promising for renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is this nation. However, constant investment in this sector is necessary to properly make use of these resources. 

Government and politics 

Head of government is the prime minister of the semi-presidential Republic of Burkina Faso; head of state is the president. The nation boasts a multi-party political system, however during Compaoré's presidency opposition groups suffered persecution and restrictions. Since the 2014 revolution, Burkina Faso has attempted to strengthen democracy by implementing constitutional amendments limiting presidential terms and thereby advancing political gender equality. 

Constitution 

Adopted in 1991 following popular demonstrations against Compaoré's dictatorial government, Burkina Faso's current constitution addresses the national government and ensures for its citizens fundamental liberties and rights. 

Foreign relations

Friendly relations between Burkina Faso and France, the African Union, surrounding Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other global partners abound. The country also provides troops for UN operations all around the world and aggressively supports regional peacekeeping projects. By means of ongoing collaboration and alliances, Burkina Faso keeps aiming for peace, wealth, and human rights both inside its own borders and outside. 

Military 

Under the support of foreign partners such France and the United States, the Burkina Faso Armed Forces handle security and defense for their country. However, funding restrictions and continuous strife inside the nation have presented major difficulties for the military in recent years. The military forces are being modernized and strengthened under efforts including more training and equipment purchase to better tackle dangers, including terrorism.

Economy

One of the poorest nations in the world, Burkina Faso mostly relies on agriculture for its economy. Various economic measures the administration has carried out to boost development and lower poverty have been hampered by political unrest and outside shocks such droughts and changes in world commodities prices. The nation also suffers from a considerable unofficial economy, restricted access to healthcare and education, and high unemployment. 

Infrastructure 

Particularly in rural areas, Burkina Faso still shows poor infrastructure. Although the nation has advanced in terms of energy availability and transportation system improvement, corruption and inadequate funding continue impede growth. Crucially for promoting social development and economic prosperity, investments in and enhancement of the infrastructure of the nation are under way.

Education 

With high dropout rates and poor enrollment at both elementary and secondary levels, Burkina Faso's educational accessibility still presents a difficulty. By means of programs including free primary education and more qualified instructors, efforts are being made to enhance access and quality of education.

Healthcare

Like many growing nations, Burkina Faso struggles greatly to provide its people with sufficient healthcare. Particularly in rural regions, the nation has a high mother and child mortality rate and restricted access to basic healthcare facilities. By means of programs including higher funding and medical staff training, efforts are being made to enhance the healthcare system.

Science and technology 

Particularly in the fields of information and communication technology (ICT), Burkina Faso has produced remarkable scientific and technical innovations. Still, challenges, including insufficient infrastructure and funding, slow down further development. By means of research centers and enhanced access to ICT resources, efforts are being undertaken to stimulate creativity and technological advancement. 

Languages 

French is Burkina Faso's official language, drawn from its colonial background. The nation has more than 60 different languages, though, and Moore is the most often used indigenous language there is. Through cultural events and education, initiatives aiming at preserving these languages are being undertaken. 

Culture 

The several ethnic groups that define Burkina Faso help to create a rich and varied culture. Daily living and celebrations benefit much from the traditional music, dancing, and artwork. To highlight its rich cultural past, Burkina Faso often stages several international events commemorating indigenous music and film. 

Religion 

Religion is a fundamental part of Burkina Faso; Islam is the most often used religion among Christianity and other African religions. Usually, the country encourages and applies religious tolerance. 

Food 

Apart from vegetables, meats, and sauces produced from peanuts or tomatoes, Burkina Faso's diet mostly consists in cereals such millet and sorghum. Like other stews, tô be a sort of porridge among the most often consumed dishes. The country also features a rich street food scene with moderately priced, mouthwatering cuisine available from roadside vendors. 

Cinema 

Burkina Faso claims one of the biggest cinema events in Africa with the Panafasant cinema and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO). Comprising films from all throughout the continent, the festival has been really helpful in showcasing African cinema to those abroad. 

Sports 

The sport most often played in Burkina Faso is football (soccer; the national team performs really well in international events). Among other popular sports are basketball, athletics, and conventional wrestling. By use of new athletic facilities and athlete training programs, efforts are being made to grow and advance sports in the nation.