Burkina Faso: Support Needed for North in Fight Against Terror

Not for the first time, a terror attack in Ouagadougou has left many people dead. But terror is not only a problem in the capital of Burkina Faso. The threat is present throughout the country, says Thomas Mösch.

The name Burkina Faso can be translated as "Land of Upright People." It was the name chosen in 1984 when the young and charismatic Thomas Sankara seized power in a coup. He wanted to turn the former French colony Upper Volta into a self-confident and truly independent state. But in 1987 his companion in arms Blaise Compaore had Sankara killed and headed his own coup to take over power. From then on, there was little uprightness to be seen in the country's politics. But in 2014 the people of Burkina Faso recalled the true meaning of their country's name and threw out Compaore who - after 27 years at the helm - had wanted to secure another term in office for himself. The question now is: Why should a country with such a past be now be a target for Islamist terrorists?

...

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.