Latest news with #Burkinabè
Business Insider
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Burkina Faso mine delivers first gold pour as Australian firm hits milestone
West African Resources has achieved a major milestone at its Kiaka gold project in Burkina Faso, successfully producing its first gold bar measuring 5.7 kilograms, or approximately 183.3 ounces—during an on-site smelting process. West African Resources achieved its first gold bar production at its Kiaka project in Burkina Faso. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, indicating strong operational efficiency. Burkina Faso has implemented mining reforms to enhance state control and economic benefits. The Australian-listed company confirmed the development came ahead of schedule and under budget, marking a strong start to what is projected to become one of the region's most significant gold operations. According to Miningmx, West African Resources Executive Chairman Richard Hyde described the first gold pour from the Kiaka mine as ' a major milestone ' in the company's goal to produce over 500,000 ounces of gold annually by 2030. ' First gold comes just three and a half years after the acquisition of Kiaka, which is a remarkable achievement,' Hyde said, expressing gratitude to the construction team, financial partners Sprott and Coris Bank, as well as contractors and stakeholders for their contributions. In November 2021, West African acquired a 90% stake in the Kiaka Gold Project in Burkina Faso from B2Gold Corp and its partner, GAMS-Mining F&I. The remaining 10% is held by the Government of Burkina Faso. The company completed construction at the site during the second quarter of 2025, keeping pace with its aggressive project timeline. The inaugural gold pour not only signals the operational readiness of the Kiaka mine but also reflects investor confidence in West African Resources' ability to deliver in one of Africa's most promising, yet geopolitically complex, mining jurisdictions. Burkina Faso's move to secure gold and raise revenue Burkina Faso is reshaping its gold sector through sweeping reforms aimed at increasing state control, boosting revenues, and ensuring that more benefits stay within the country. Gold is central to the nation's economy, accounting for around 80% of export earnings and nearly 14% of GDP. However, much of this value has historically escaped government capture due to foreign ownership, weak regulation, and illicit exports. In July 2024, the government revised its mining code to raise the state's free equity in new projects from 10% to 15%, with an option to acquire an additional 15%. It also mandated greater Burkinabè ownership and shortened permit durations to strengthen oversight. Companies are now required to contribute to national gold and mining development funds, as well as process part of their output domestically to retain more value in-country. The state has also taken over several major mines through SOPAMIB, a new state-owned company, consolidating national control of key gold assets. Additionally, a national gold refinery is being built in Ouagadougou to reduce reliance on foreign processing and improve export transparency. Small-scale export permits have been temporarily suspended to curb illegal trade.
Business Insider
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Burkina Faso increases state ownership in gold projects as new mining law takes effect
Burkina Faso has officially increased its free-carried equity stake in key gold mining projects from 10% to 15%, aligning with the provisions of its new Mining Code adopted in August 2024. This adjustment affects several high-profile assets, including the Sanbrado, Kiaka, and Toega projects operated by Australia-listed West African Resources. The company agreed to the new terms after talks with the government and other key players in the mining industry. In simple terms, this new regulation means Burkina Faso will now earn a bigger slice of the gold profits from mines on its land, without having to spend a dime. Mining Weekly reports that aside from the change to the State's equity interest, all other key terms of West African Resources' existing mining agreements with the Burkina Faso government remain unchanged. 'Our 2025 cost and production guidance of 190,000 to 210,000 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of less than $1,350 per ounce remains intact,' said West African Resources Chairperson, Richard Hyde. He added that construction at the Kiaka project is progressing on schedule and within budget, with the first gold pour expected early in the third quarter of this year. Burkina Faso's mining sector reforms Burkina Faso's status as a gold producer has grown significantly over the past two decades, making it one of Africa's leading gold-producing countries. The nation ranks fourth in gold production after Ghana, South Africa, and Sudan. Gold is Burkina Faso's most valuable export, contributing over 70% of export earnings and serving as a cornerstone of its economy. Since taking power in 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has made resource sovereignty a core priority, insisting that Burkinabè citizens must benefit more from the country's gold wealth. Under his leadership, the government adopted a new Mining Code in August 2024, raising the state's free-carried interest in mining projects from 10% to 15% to strengthen national control and revenue. Captain Ibrahim Traoré's decision to reform Burkina Faso's mining laws was largely driven by a desire to reassert national control over a sector long dominated by foreign interests. For years, foreign companies from Canada, Australia, and the UK have dominated Burkina Faso's gold sector, contributing capital and expertise but offering limited benefits to local communities. Most profits have been repatriated, with only small portions retained through taxes and minimal state equity. Under the revised 2024 Mining Code, all mining firms must now grant the state a 15% free-carried interest giving the government a larger, cost-free stake.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Burkina Faso military accused of killing over 100 civilians in 'massacre'
At least 130 civilians were killed by Burkina Faso government forces and allied militia in March near the western town of Solenzo, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says in a new report. It says the "massacre", following an operation led by Burkinabè special forces, resulted in widespread civilian deaths and displacement of ethnic Fulanis. The Fulani are a pastoralist, largely Muslim community who the government has often accused of backing Islamist militants - an allegation denied by community leaders. About 40% of Burkina Faso is under the control of groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State operating in West Africa's Sahel region. The attacks, in which thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced, have continued despite promises by the country's military leaders to deal with the insurgency. Ahead of the release of the HRW findings on Monday, there were reports of more militant attacks over the weekend with dozens of military and civilian casualties. The BBC has not been able to confirm these reports and the authorities do not routinely comment on reported jihadist attacks. The BBC has approached the Burkina Faso government for comment on the HRW report. Last year, the government described as "baseless" another HRW report that had accused soldiers of a "massacre" in which 223 villagers were killed. Why Burkina Faso's junta leader has captured hearts and minds around the world Why West Africa has more 'terror deaths' than rest of world combined The rights group says it interviewed witnesses, militia members, journalists and the civil society and analysed videos shared on social media to make the findings regarding the army's involvement in the March killings. HRW previously said the army was "implicated" in the killings, based on videos that were being shared online showing dozens of dead and injured people, although the findings were not definitive. It now says further research has "uncovered that Burkina Faso's military was responsible for these mass killings of Fulani civilians". It adds that least 100 more civilians were killed last month in reprisal attacks by jihadist groups against those seen as helping the military. "Mass killings of civilians by government security forces, militias, and Islamist armed groups amount to war crimes and other possible atrocity crimes," it says. The rights group has urged the government to investigate and prosecute all those responsible for the crimes. This came as junta leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré returned from Moscow after a Friday meeting with Vladimir Putin on cooperation and security in the Sahel. Since the military seized power, Burkina Faso has turned away from colonial power France and towards Russia for help in tacking the Islamist insurgency. Freed captive tells BBC of life in West African jihadist base Why some Ghanaians are fighting in insurgency-hit Burkina Faso Burkina Faso outcry over 'conscription used to punish junta critics' Mali and Burkina Faso: Did the coups halt jihadist attacks? Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
Libya Review
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya Deports Hundreds of Migrants to Niger
A Nigerien human rights organisation, Alarm Phone Sahara, reported that at least 783 migrants – most of them Nigerien nationals, including women and minors – were deported from Libya and returned to remote desert towns in northern Niger between 28 March and 25 April. The deportees remain stranded, as Niger's authorities refuse to allow them entry. The organisation revealed that the migrants had mostly been held in Libyan detention centres before being forcibly expelled. They were left in isolated towns such as Madama, Lataye, and Seguedine, all located in the desert region of Kawar, where access to humanitarian aid is limited. Alarm Phone Sahara confirmed one fatality among the 407 migrants in the latest convoy arriving in Madama on 25 April. This group included 10 Burkinabè and 7 Nigerians. The organisation also expressed deep concern over migrants reportedly stranded in the desert after their vehicle broke down, exposed to extreme weather without adequate resources. According to the group, Libyan security forces are pushing migrants southwards from areas under the control of the eastern-based General Command. Migrants are reportedly rounded up during public raids, placed on trucks, and either deported directly to southern Libya or detained before forced transfer to Niger. Testimonies gathered by the group describe strict controls along the Libya-Niger border, with Niger opposing the entry of non-Nigerien deportees and threatening to return them to Libya. The deportations sparked strong condemnation from Niger's Interior Minister Mohamed Toumba during an April meeting with an International Organization for Migration (IOM) delegation. Toumba labelled the expulsions 'unacceptable' and said they violated international cooperation norms. Since the July 2023 coup, Niger's junta repealed anti-human trafficking law 036/2015, prompting increased irregular migration flows to Libya and Algeria. The EU suspended its migration cooperation with Niger after the coup. Tags: DeportationImmigrationlibyamigrantsNiger
Business Insider
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
4 African countries added to U.S. travel warning list in April
The U.S. Department of State has recently updated its travel warning for several countries in April including four in Africa. The U.S. Department of State issued travel advisories for four African countries in April The affected countries include Ghana, Burkina Faso, Morocco, and Uganda The U.S. State Department in April, issued updated travel warnings for Ghana, Burkina Faso, Morocco, and Uganda, urging U.S. citizens to exercise caution or avoid travel altogether. The updated advisories cite a range of concerns, including terrorism, violent crime, and discriminatory laws, reflecting heightened concerns over safety and security in the affected countries. Ghana was the first to be listed on April 8 with a Level 2 advisory, which encourages travelers to exercise increased caution. The advisory cited violent crimes such as carjacking, street muggings, assaults, and rape, often occurring at night and in isolated areas. It also noted that sexual assaults are significantly underreported and remain a serious concern. While domestic violence is criminalized under Ghanaian law, enforcement remains weak, with police often failing to respond to reports. On April 16, the State Department issued a Level 4 advisory for Burkina Faso, citing an extreme risk of terrorist attacks. The warning stated that " terrorists may attack with little or no warning, using tactics such as improvised explosive devices, kidnappings for ransom, and attacks on public spaces." This comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Burkina Faso and the United States, following recent remarks by the U.S. AFRICOM commander accusing the military-led government of leveraging gold to consolidate power—an allegation the Burkinabè authorities have firmly denied. On April 21, Morocco was added to the advisory list with a Level 2 warning. Travelers are urged to exercise increased caution due to the persistent threat of terrorist activity. The advisory reflects concerns about the potential for attacks targeting public places frequented by foreigners. Less than 48 hours later, the State Department issued a Level 3 warning for Uganda. The advisory cites threats related to crime, terrorism, and discriminatory laws, particularly those targeting individuals based on sexual orientation. It also warns of potential security risks and unpredictable public demonstrations, especially in the lead-up to Uganda's general elections scheduled for January–February 2026. These advisories form part of the U.S. government's broader efforts to keep its citizens informed of international risks and encourage safer travel decisions. Understanding the U.S. Travel Advisory System The United States issues travel advisories through the Department of State to inform its citizens about potential safety and security risks when traveling abroad. These advisories are updated regularly and are based on a range of factors, including political instability, crime, health concerns, and the threat of terrorism or civil unrest. The system follows a four-tier scale: Level 1 ("Exercise Normal Precautions"), Level 2 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), Level 3 ("Reconsider Travel"), and the most extreme - Level 4 ("Do Not Travel"). This classification helps travelers make informed decisions and take necessary precautions before embarking on international trips.
