Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Optimistic Against Rampant Terrorism
Burkina Faso is facing a significant challenge with rampant terrorism. However, Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo recently expressed optimism about the situation in the country. During a parliamentary session on January 30, he claimed that approximately 74% of the territory is now under government control.
Territorial Gains and Reopening of Services
The Prime Minister highlighted the achievements of the defense forces, which have reportedly led to the reopening of several critical services:
- 73 prefectoral and municipal offices
- Over 600 educational institutions
- 38 health facilities
- The resettlement of 442 villages
He praised the professionalism of the security forces and their commitment to human rights during their operations.
Displacement and Return of Citizens
Despite the optimistic claims from government leaders, the situation remains complex. According to a 2025 report from the Swedish think tank African Security Analysis, around 60% of Burkina Faso’s territory still lies outside government control.
However, the Prime Minister stated that security patrols in border areas have facilitated the return of displaced persons. As of December 31, 2025, the joint efforts of various stakeholders led to the resettlement of over 1.16 million individuals across 871 localities.
Lack of Independent Verification
It’s important to note that these figures have not been independently verified. The government continues to face scrutiny regarding the accuracy of control claims.
International Relations and Security Reorganization
On the diplomatic front, Ouedraogo emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relations within the African Economic Community. He also mentioned an upcoming “reorganization of the security apparatus” to adapt to evolving geopolitical landscapes, though he provided no further details.
As Burkina Faso strives to enhance security amid ongoing terrorist threats, the government remains optimistic about future developments in combating violence and instability.
