The Consequences of Western States’ Intervention in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Burkina Faso, a West African country with a population of about 18.6 million is currently in a state of punitive security and economic hard times as a result of intermittent political instability and draught. As a result, many people have migrated to neighboring nations like Ghana. Some have questioned the role of western states in the politics of Burkina Faso. The study aimed to investigate the consequences of the western states’ interventions in Burkina Faso. The study was conducted using a case study research design and data collected from quantitative secondary sources. The study found that western states’ interventions in Burkina Faso have had wide security implications. The security of Burkina Faso has become fragile. While preventing terrorist attacks has been the primary goal of western states’ interventions in Burkina Faso, the country has witnessed several extremist attacks and coups in recent years. Western states’ interventions in Burkina Faso are producing troops who launch military coups against duly elected democratic governments. Western states’ foreign policy in Burkina Faso is too militaristic and it’s partially to blame for the current level of violence, death, and displacement in Burkina Faso. Since the counterterrorism policy is the driving force behind the conflict in Burkina Faso, the author urges hegemonic powers or western powers to adopt a new perspective of what it means to preserve civilian life both at home and abroad