Source : Sahel weather June 2025

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Operations to combat terrorist groups, which began several months ago, intensified in June. Terrorists from Côte d'Ivoire were ambushed, resulting in the recovery of significant war materiel. These operations took place in the localities of Taparko, Kalana and Manni. At the same time, between June 8 and 10, armed groups in Sindo, Dida and Thiou were thwarted by defense and security forces. These operations continued throughout the month, inflicting heavy losses on these groups. Meanwhile, the ruling power is regaining ground thanks to these joint air and ground operations, which appear to be weakening the terrorist assailants, as witnessed by the terrorist who voluntarily surrendered on June 14. 

Between May and June 2025, massive air strikes pulverized several bases terrorist in the northern part of the country, as part of the fight against terrorism. It was reported on the ground that this never-before-seen large-scale operation destroyed several bases from Djibo to Déou. In Serguessouma, a building housing several terrorists was pulverized by a strike that eliminated its occupants. This is clearly a response commensurate with the attacks taking place in the Djibo area, which has been the epicenter of terrorism for several months. Since 2023, Burkina Faso has been confronted with repeated offensives by terrorist groups, resulting in considerable loss of life. This situation has plunged the country into growing insecurity, as is the case throughout the Sahel region.

...Ibrahim Traoré more than ever upright in the face of terrorists

Since the latest terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, which caused numerous casualties, the leader of the transition has broken his silence on the situation that has shaken the country. On June 15, Captain Traoré visited the Thomas Sankara training camp in Pô to remobilize the troops following the painful events of May. The President took the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to recovering the entire territory of Burkina Faso, much of which has been undermined by terrorist groups. According to him, "Burkinabè will not negotiate with their enemies. We will fight and we will win. We will give up nothing, absolutely nothing". Since his accession to the supreme magistracy, Ibrahima Traoré has made the reconquest of the national territory his top priority.

Call to report any abuses by the forces of law and order

In recent months, the press has often reported cases of abuse by the defense and security forces. These abuses can have an inter-community dimension, and mostly involve violence against civilians, who are forced to flee their homes. Aware of this "scandalous" situation, the authorities have tackled this thorny issue head-on to help the victims. In a press release dated June 23, the Ministry of Security invited people to report abuses by the defense and security forces via the toll-free number 1020, which was made public on the occasion. According to the press release, "The Ministry of Security invites people who are victims or have knowledge of such behavior to report it accurately to the competent authorities, including the National Coordination for the Control of Defense Forces (CONACFP)".

Putting an end to certain political activities to kick-start the development process

Meanwhile, following the example of its counterparts in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Burkina Faso has decided to curb political activities on its territory in order to better lead the country towards development. Indeed, since coming to power in 2022, Captain Traoré has put an end to the activities of 200 political parties, in order to launch a truly popular and progressive revolution in the country. In a recent address to the nation, he declared that "never before has a country developed thanks to democracy". This raises the question of the future of the democratic model in the Sahel. What we might call the "dictatorship of development" is seducing a fringe of the population to the detriment of democracy. Is this due to a failure of the democratic model or to foreign propaganda? In any case, democracy has finally won over a large part of public opinion, including the intelligentsia.

A wind of hope blows with the reopening of schools

On June 19 in Ouagadougou, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell took advantage of an audience with Burkina Faso's Prime Minister to congratulate the government on "the reopening of schools that had been closed due to insecurity". In Burkina Faso, more than 5,000 schools were unusable due to repeated terrorist attacks. The two leaders discussed ways of strengthening their cooperation, particularly in the areas of child protection, access to education and health services.

World Refugee Day: greater solidarity for greater integration

Around the world, June 20 is dedicated to the rights of refugees. This year, Bobo-Dioulasso hosted the commemoration of this day under the theme "Solidarity with refugees: what strategy for better integration in Burkina Faso". The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNHCR, was an opportunity for senior officials to reaffirm Burkina Faso's commitment to the rights and integration of refugees. It should be noted that Burkina Faso is experiencing a wave of displacement due to the deterioration of the security situation in recent years. According to the Minister, "welcoming a refugee means restoring their human dignity, offering them a new chance and helping to build a better future".

A new SSA anthem 

In terms of institutional reform, the three countries that make up the Alliance of Sahel States are undergoing profound changes. The motto is now "One space - One people - One destiny". At the same time, the three countries have agreed on a common anthem called "Sahel benkan", which means "Sahel understanding". This hymn is an ode to the heroic past of the people of the Sahel, giving hope to the sons and daughters of the three countries for a brighter future. The anthem was sung this June in Ouagadougou during a solemn ceremony to raise the colors in front of President Traoré.