Current interim leader of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, swept to power following the country’s second coup d’état within the space of eight months in September 2022. Since assuming the role of transition leader, Traoré has made addressing the deteriorating security situation in the country his principal priority. According to numerous reports, the Burkinabè government struggles to control up to 40% of its territory, notably outside of the main urban areas and in the tri-border region shared with Mali and Niger. Nevertheless, Traoré’s eagerness to recapture lost territory from various armed groups has led many researchers and critics to wonder at what price, given the shrinking civil space and respect for human rights in the country.

Against this backdrop, Roger Minoungou, Project lead for the Sahel at PAX, will present the organisation’s work in the country, discuss the current political and security context following the second coup in September 2022, and the challenges CSOs face while operating in such a volatile environment.

Please note that this will be an in-person meeting. Seats are limited and registration is mandatory. Please contact Lorenzo Conti if you would like to participate.