West Africa

Burkina Faso

Capital: Ouagadougou
Head of state: Ibrahim Traoré
Head of government: Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo
U.S. ambassador: Joann M. Lockard

Leaders · U.S. mission · Reported with

Leaders

Head of stateIbrahim TraoréTransitional President of Burkina FasoSince October 21, 2022 · 3 years, 11 months
Head of governmentRimtalba Jean Emmanuel OuédraogoPrime Minister of Burkina FasoSince December 8, 2024 · 1 year, 10 months

U.S. mission

U.S. ambassadorJoann M. LockardU.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso

Official U.S. mission website

Burkina Faso in Washington

Ambassador to the U.S.Kassoum CoulibalyAmbassador of Burkina Faso to the United StatesSince July 24, 2025 · 1 year, 2 months

Reporting on Burkina Faso

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Malian soldiers during a training exercise — Malian soldiers train in Loumbila, Burkina Faso, during the U.S.-led Flintlock exercise on Feb. 13, 2019. (File photo, U.S. Army)USAFRICOM - U.S. Army photo by Spc. Peter Seidler / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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Africa

Trump Administration Warns Terrorism in Africa's Sahel Is a Threat to the Entire World

The United States says violence in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger demands international attention, warning that the consequences of terrorism extend beyond African borders.

Oct 9

Burkinabe soldiers during a training exercise

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Africa

U.S. Condemns Terrorist Drone Attacks in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, Warns of Global Threat

Washington raises alarm over terrorist violence in the Sahel, including the use of drones, and calls for stronger African-led security cooperation.

Oct 9

Often reported with

Mali (2)Niger (2)

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Leaders: UN Protocol list of heads of state and government (19 Sept. 2026), updated for later official appointments. U.S. diplomats: each U.S. embassy’s official website. Photos: licensed (public domain or Creative Commons) with credit.