Eco Africa – The environment magazine

Videos claiming to show proof of a “crude oil reserve” discovered in Burkina Faso have been going viral, racking up millions of views on social media. Generally used alongside pro-junta photos and videos of the Burkinabe military leader, Ibrahim Traore, the claim has been raising some eyebrows as the West African nation isn’t known for its natural oil reserves.

Coups, sanctions, and withdrawal of member states; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must either reform or decline, observers warn.

Three French diplomats were given 48 hours to leave Burkina Faso on Thursday after being declared persona non grata by the ruling junta. The trio have been accused of "subversive activities", allegations that Paris denies. Relations between the two countries have been unravelling since 2022, when Burkina Faso saw its second coup in less than nine months.