Climate Of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is an ethnically integrated, secular state. Most of Burkina's people are concentrated in the south and center of the country, sometimes exceeding 48 per square kilometer (125/sq. mi.). This population density, high for Africa, causes migrations of hundreds of thousands of Burkinabe to Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana, many for seasonal agricultural work. These flows of workers are obviously affected by external events; the September 2002 coup attempt in Cote d'Ivoire and the ensuing fighting there have meant that hundreds of thousands of Burkinabe returned to Burkina Faso. A plurality of Burkinabe are Muslim, but most also adhere to traditional African religions. The introduction of Islam to Burkina Faso was initially resisted by the Mossi rulers. Christians, both Roman Catholics and Protestants, comprise about 25% of the population, with their largest concentration in urban areas. ... [Read More]

Burkina Faso

U.S. Department of State [Read More]

Burkina Faso 2000 Post Report

Many modern government buildings and development officesare located between the U.S. Embassy and the downtown area. La Maison du Peuple (the Houseof the People) is a large auditorium, a commanding structure in the center of town, wheremany cultural activities are held. Densely cultivated plots surround three barrages (waterreservoirs or manmade lakes) situated at the edge of town. This area provides a pleasantviewing and walking space as well as a year-round supply of fresh produce. The HotelSilmande, Ouagadougou’s luxury hotel, is located near one of these barrages. Otherpoints of interest include the bronze factory, a new Artisans’ village, the NationalMuseum, the ceremony of the Mogho Naba, the University of Ouagadougou complex, and anumber of public sculptures and monuments. ... [Read More]

Burkina Faso

The Constitution provides for the right to expeditious arraignment and access to legal counsel after a detainee has been charged before a judge; however, authorities did not ensure due process. The law limits detention for investigative purposes without charge to a maximum of 72 hours, renewable for a single 48-hour period; however, police rarely observed these provisions in practice. The average time of detention without charge was 1 week, and the law allows judges to impose an unlimited number of 6-month preventive detention periods. It was not unusual for defendants without access to legal counsel to be detained for weeks or months before appearing before a magistrate. In some cases, prisoners were held without charge or trial for a longer period than the maximum sentence that they would have received if convicted of the alleged offense. There was a pretrial release system; however, it was unknown how often it was used. In early October, security forces arrested ... [Read More]

Country Commercial Guide

The Collective Agreement for the Commercial Sectors ofFebruary 1, 1982 divides employees (laborers, craftsmen, senior staff) into eightcategories. The minimum basic pay rate (SMIG) is set at 25,000 CFAF (about USD 50) permonth. Conditions for the employment of workers by enterprises are provided in Decree No.98 of February 15, 1967. An employer should ask job applicants for their job-seekerregistration card issued by the Office of Employment and Promotion, which is part of theMinistry of Employment, Work, and Social Security. ... [Read More]

Trade and Economics - US Department of State

Paul V. Applegarth, chief executive officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation(© AP/WWP) Cape Verde Praised for Good Governance by Millennium Challenge CorporationAfrican country uses good governance as "strategic asset," says MCC's ApplegarthT ... [Read More]

Burkina Faso

The security apparatus consists of the armed forces and the gendarmerie, which are controlled by the Ministry of Defense; the national police, controlled by the Ministry of Security; and the municipal police, controlled by the Ministry of Territorial Administration. The Presidential Guard is an autonomous security force, although technically it is subject to the jurisdiction of the armed forces and part of the army. The civilian authorities maintained effective control of the security forces. Some members of the security forces committed serious human rights abuses. ... [Read More]

Africa - US Department of State

Speaking before an audience that includes Ana Mkapa, wife of President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, she says, "Here, people with HIV/AIDS can get the treatment they need to fight the disease. And they can also get the love and support they need to live a happy and full life." (complete text) First Lady Pledges American Commitment to African NationsSouth Africa speech highlights role of women's empowerment in fighting HIV/AIDSCape Town, South Africa – Americans are committed to helping the people of Africa win their fight against poverty, violence against women and HIV/AIDS, first lady Laura Bush says July 12. Speaking at the C ... [Read More]

Global Issues - US Department of State

Homeland Security Agency Plans Major ReorganizationSecretary Chertoff says agency must be nimble, decisiveHomeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says the two-year-old federal agency designed to combat the threat of terrorism and protect the U.S. homeland must be able to adapt to the changing nature of the challenges confronting the nation. ... [Read More]

US Department Of State Post Report

Americans in Ouagadougou spend a lot of time outdoors — swimming, playing tennis, jogging or walking, and enjoying other outdoor sports and activities. Swimming is a year-round pastime and a good way to take advantage of Ouagadougou’s warm temperatures and sunshine. All Embassy houses have swimming pools. Jogging and walking are popular. The Urban Park of Ouagadougou, a protected forest since the 1930’s, is within walking distance for about half of the Embassy residences (and a 10-minute drive for the others). It features shaded trails for running, cycling, bird watching or just sitting on a bench and watching the world pass by. Ouaga has an active chapter of Hash House Harriers who meet twice a month (on Sunday afternoons) to explore the surrounding countryside. The “Hash” is open to the entire family (both walkers and runners), definitely non-competitive, and ends with a cold ... [Read More]