Concession Agreement for Operation of Cafeteria Services – February 10, 2019
COVER LETTER February 10, 2019 To All Prospective Offerors: Enclosed is an Invitation to Tender for a concession agreement for Operation of Cafeteria Services at American Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Enclosure 1 consists of the proposed Licensing Agreement, which would be executed between the Embassy and the selected operator. That Agreement consists of the main ... Read More»
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Location: East Region and Sahel Region Event: Event: Terrorist and criminal groups continue plotting attacks in Burkina Faso, targeting security and military forces, hunting and security outposts, mining sites, and schools. Terrorists and criminal groups continue to attack and abduct Westerners, sometimes murdering victims. Since December 15, 2018, two Westerners have been missing and are presumed ... Read More»
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Location: Ouagadougou Event: Protests are expected to take place on Saturday, January 12, 2019 in Ouagadougou beginning at 8:00am at Place de la Révolution (formerly known as Place de la Nation). Protesters will march onto Avenue Monseigneur Thévenoud, Avenue de la Cathédrale, Avenue Kwamé N’Krumah, and return to Place de la Révolution. The protest has ... Read More»
American Center Temporary Closure
The American Center will be temporarily closed due to the lapse in appropriations. Activities such as English Club and EducationUSA mentoring are temporarily suspended; their resumption will be announced as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you soon. Read More»
U.S. Embassy Consular Section remains open despite lapse in appropriations
U.S. Embassy Burkina Faso informs the general public that scheduled passport and visa services at our Embassy Consular Section will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits, including the provision of U.S. citizen services. Read More»
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Location: Ouagadougou Event: During the holiday season security measures in Burkina Faso remain heightened due to the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations and individuals inspired by extremist ideology throughout Africa. Extremists continue to focus on locations such as shopping centers, airports, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, street markets, and other public ... Read More»
President Donald J. Trump’s Africa Strategy Advances Prosperity, Security, and Stability
“We hope to extend our economic partnerships with countries who are committed to self-reliance and to fostering opportunities for job creation in both Africa and the United States”. President Donald J. Trump PROMOTING PROSPERITY IN AFRICA AND AMERICA: President Donald J. Trump is releasing a Strategy toward Africa that will advance American and African prosperity. ... Read More»
Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation 2019 – Large Grants Program Funding Opportunity (DEADLINES: Round 1: December 21, 2018; Round 2: February
Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation 2019 – Large Grants Program Funding Opportunity (DEADLINES: Round 1: December 21, 2018; Round 2: February 15, 2019) Summary: The U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou is accepting project abstracts and full applications for the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2019 Large Grants Program. The deadline for submitting project abstracts is ... Read More»
Recruitment of our new group of interns
The Embassy of the United States in Ouagadougou is currently recruiting interns to serve six months, from January to June 2019. The internship Program was designed for students in Burkina Faso and aims at benefiting both the Embassy and students by providing students with valuable educational experience in foreign affairs and by assisting posts in ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou sponsors a short film competition in partnership with FESPACO
Have you dreamed of seeing your film on the big screen? Now is your chance! The U.S. Embassy in partnership with FESPACO is sponsoring a short film competition. The winning film will be featured / projected before every FESPACO 2019 film! Films must be no longer than 30 seconds, in horizontal orientation, and at least 720p ... Read More»
NOTICE: CONSULAR SECTION CLOSURE ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou will be closed to the public on Friday, October 26, 2018. Persons wishing to drop off official visa applications can do so either Thursday, October 25 at 11:00 am or Monday, October 29 at 11:00 am. Read More»
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR OVERSEAS VOTERS WHO CANNOT ACCESS STATE ELECTION WEBSITES (October 18, 2018)
The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) has become aware of reports that some overseas voters are unable to access their state’s online voter registration and election systems. This is primarily due to states blocking web traffic from foreign countries in an effort to increase the cyber-security of their online systems. Since the General Election on ... Read More»
Traditional Kassena Artists Enrich the Garden of New U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission
Hundreds of visitors are drawn each year to the village of Tiébélé, Burkina Faso to see traditional houses hand painted in elaborate geometric designs by the well-known Kassena women artists. These women visited the residence of U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Shannon Cazeau, bringing their unique art to the official residence garden. U.S. ... Read More»
Burkina Faso – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: The northern Sahel border region shared with Mali and Niger due to crime and terrorism. The provinces of Komandjari, Tapoa, Kompienga, and Gourma in East Region due to crime and terrorism. Terrorist groups ... Read More»
Alert: Burkina Faso Security Forces To Conduct Training Exercise on Tuesday, October 16 at the Stade du 04 Aout.
Location: Stade du 04 Août in Ouagadougou Event: Burkina Faso Security Forces are planning to conduct a training exercise on Tuesday, October 16 at the Stade du 04 Août in Ouagadougou. The exercise will be a simulated terrorist attack against the soccer stadium in the Gounghin district of Ouagadougou. Between 8 AM and 1 PM, individuals ... Read More»
Alert – U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (October 5, 2018)
The U.S. Embassy phone system will be undergoing an upgrade on Saturday, October 6. If you are an American citizen in an emergency situation, please call (226) 64 18 87 25. For all other consular inquiries, please email consularouaga@state.gov . For further information: See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution , Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Burkina Faso Country Specific Information . Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive ... Read More»
Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (October 5, 2018)
Location: Ministry of Education, Avenue de l’Indépendance Event: There is an ongoing protest today at the Ministry of Education on Avenue de l’Independence. A large group of teachers and supporters have gathered and are blocking a section of Avenue de l’Indépendance. U.S. government personnel and American citizens are advised to avoid areas of demonstrations and ... Read More»
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (October 4, 2018)
Locations: East Region and Sahel Region Event: The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou advises U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Sahel Region and Komondjari, Topa, Kompienga, and Gourma provinces in the Eastern Region of Burkina Faso due to recent terrorist attacks. Terrorist and criminal groups have targeted security and military forces, hunting and security outposts, and ... Read More»
Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (October 1, 2018)
Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (October 1, 2018) Location: Ministry of Education, Avenue de l’Indépendance Event: There is a possibility of sporadic protests by area teachers today and throughout the week leading up to National Teacher’s Day on 5 October. A brief protest took place at the Ministry of Education ... Read More»
Consular Closure on October 5, 2018.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy will be closed to the public on Friday, 5 October 2018. Visa applicants with green sheets and persons applying for official visas can drop off documents on Thursday, October 4 at 11 am. American citizens in emergency situations should contact the Embassy switchboard for assistance (2549-5300). Read More»
YALI – Mandela Washington Fellowship Recruitment in Burkina Faso
The Embassy of the United States of America in Ouagadougou launches the Mandela Washington Fellowship recruitment in Burkina Faso The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative – YALI. This program will bring 700 African young leaders to the United States in 2019 for leadership training and mentoring and will create unique opportunities in ... Read More»
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (September 20, 2018) Location: East Region Event: In light of the recent violence in the Eastern Region by terrorist and criminal groups, the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou reminds U.S. citizens to maintain good security practices and monitor local news. Recent incidents include the destruction of security outposts ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: Phone Outage at U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou – August 22, 2018
The U.S. Embassy is currently experiencing technical difficulties receiving phone calls. If you are an American citizen in an emergency situation, please call (226) 6557 3719. For all other consular inquiries, please email consularouaga@state.gov . For further information: See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution , Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Burkina Faso Country Specific Information . Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security messages and ... Read More»
Regional Forum on the Engagement of Religious and Traditional Leaders of West Africa for Health and Development to trigger Demographic Dividend
Burkina Faso will see its population doubled by 2030 if the current trend of its growth is maintained. Indeed, the country has a very young population with 58.3% of his people being under 19 years old and 67% under 24 years old. The fertility rate is estimated at nearly 6 children per woman, and an ... Read More»
Oakton High School Students Engaged in Community Service In Burkina Faso.
High school students from Oakton, VA, decided to work on a mission trip to Burkina Faso. Pinnacle Academy Early College students started working on a fundraising project around six months ago and were able to raise $32,000.00 from the local communities and organizations via bake sales, presentations and social media outlet communications. Pinnacle Academy Early ... Read More»
World Population Day 2018: Demographic Dividend in Burkina Faso: Making Family Planning a Reality for Accelerating the Demographic Transition
With a very young population of which 58.3% are under 19 years old and 67% under 24 years old, and a fertility rate of 5.8, the Burkina Faso population doubled in 2030 with a continuation of the trend. It must be the best way to take advantage of this demographic dividend, to rise to the ... Read More»
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (June 5, 2018) Location: Ouagadougou Event: Burkinabe security forces have conducted recent counter-terrorism activities in light of terrorist attacks at downtown public venues. U.S. citizens should take proactive steps to enhance their personal security. Actions to Take: Avoid crowds. Avoid demonstrations. Vary your routes and times, ... Read More»
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Countering Wildlife Trafficking in West Africa
Announcement Type: Request for Federal Assistance Awards Applications Public Opportunity Title: Countering Wildlife Trafficking in West Africa NOFO Opportunity Number: SFOP0004251 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.705 – Transnational Crime Funding Amount: Not to exceed the total amount of $1,250,000 U.S. Dollars NOFO Issuance Date: May 8, 2018 Deadline for Receipt of Questions: ... Read More»
Handing over of the leader role of the health financial and technical partners.
On Thursday May 31, 2018, the United States of America handed over to the new leader of the health FTP, UNFPA, the FTP leader role that it has been playing through USAID for the past two years. In the presence of many health FTP, the Minister of Health, Professor Nicolas Méda and Ambassador Andrew Young ... Read More»
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (May 23, 2018) Location: Ouagadougou Event: Heightened police presence in Ouagadougou continues due to the recent counter-terrorism operation conducted on the early morning of May 22. U.S. government employees are subject to an Embassy-imposed curfew from 12:00 AM to 5AM and may not travel to the Karpala, ... Read More»
EducationUSA Ouagadougou Success Story
My name is Mariam Toure, I am a Burkinabe student who, thanks to EducationUSA, has had an academic but also a social experience that changed my life. Four years ago, when I was a frequent subscriber to the American Library, I became interested in the EducationUSA sessions to understand and familiarize myself with the correct ... Read More»
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – May 22, 2018.
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (May 22, 2018) Location: Ouagadougou Event: Heightened police presence in Ouagadougou continues. U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission authority (U.S. citizens and family members) are subject to an Embassy-imposed curfew from 12:00 midnight to 5 AM and may not travel to the Karpala and Balkuy neighborhoods in ... Read More»
Ambassador Young Earns his Wings with Burkinabe paratroopers
The African sun rises over an airfield near Ouagadougou. Villagers look to the sky with anticipation as children point upwards and smile once they witness the opening of parachutes. Flintlock is an annual exercise that provides African, North American and European participants the opportunity to build trust and confidence, and bolster partnerships. Burkinabe, Malian, American, Austrian, ... Read More»
U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation Announces $8.8 million to Advance Progress on Development of Burkina Faso Compact
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 2018 – The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) last week announced $8.8 million in new funding to advance the development of a five-year MCC compact in Burkina Faso to reduce poverty through economic growth. MCC Principal Deputy Vice President Kyeh Kim was joined by Edith Clémence Yaka, Delegate Minister of ... Read More»
U.S. Government malaria support in Burkina Faso
On April 25th, 2018 Burkina Faso will join the rest of the world to celebrate the country’s first stand-alone World Malaria Day under the patronage of the Minister of Health. This event will recognize the high malaria burden in Burkina Faso and the significant resources being invested in the fight against malaria by the Government ... Read More»
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (April 6, 2018)
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (April 6, 2018) Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Event: Heightened police presence in Ouagadougou continues. U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission authority (U.S. citizens and family members) are subject to an Embassy-imposed curfew from 12:00 midnight to 5AM and may not travel to the Karpala and Balkui neighborhoods ... Read More»
USAFRICOM announces Flintlock 2018
From April 9-20, 2018, Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal will host the Flintlock 2018. The Flintlock is the largest multilateral military exercise of special operations and law enforcement training between African and Caribbean nations, which, since 2005, has strengthened key partner country forces across North and West Africa, as well as Western Special Operations Forces. ... Read More»
Strong Burkinabe delegation at the 62nd annual Commission of the Status of Women
YALI Mandela Washington 2017 Fellow Kadija Simboro traveled to New York City from March 22-25, 2018 to represent Burkina Faso at the 62nd annual Commission of the Status of Women (CSW 2018). Kadija is the President of the Association Femme Leader of Africa and Burkina Faso and General Director of Farafina Eco-engineering. She believes that “access ... Read More»
Ambassador Andrew R. Young Photo Album
Visit Ambassador Andrew R. Young Photo Album on Flickr ! Read More»
Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (March 20, 2018)
Location: Ouaga 2000, Salle de Conference, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Event: U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou advises U.S. citizens to avoid the area around the Salle de Conference near the Laico Hotel in Ouaga 2000 beginning Wednesday, March 21 due to heightened police presence. More than 80 people will be on trial before a military court over the failed 2015 coup in ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou highlights women’s initiatives in their community.
Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? During this month, we will feature talented Burkinabe women with whom we have had the honor to work through our exchange programs, educational initiatives, and development projects. We are proud of their accomplishments in their communities and proud to call them partners in building a stronger ... Read More»
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Location: Ouagadougou Event: Heightened police presence in Ouagadougou. U.S. government personnel are subject to an Embassy-imposed curfew from 10:00 PM to dawn, until further notice. Most schools are open as of March 6, 2018. Actions to Take: Avoid the areas of the March 2, 2018 attacks in downtown Ouagadougou and areas controlled by police and ... Read More»
Official Statement on Ouagadougou Attack – March 2, 2018
We condemn all acts of terror and extend our condolences to the victims of the March 2 attack in Ouagadougou. The perpetrators only seek to undermine stability in the region, and do not care about, or contribute to, the well-being of men, women, and children who are the innocent casualties of these barbarous attacks by ... Read More»
Security Alert: U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Location: Ouagadougou Event: Investigations continue in Ouagadougou following the March 2, 2018 attacks on the French Embassy and the Chief of Staff headquarters in downtown Ouagadougou. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from travelling around the areas of downtown Ouagadougou affected by the attacks and the U.S. Embassy recommends that children of U.S. government personnel stay ... Read More»
Travel Alert Message: Burkina Faso – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: The northern Sahel border region shared with Mali and Niger due to crime and terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Burkina Faso. Terrorists may conduct attacks anywhere with little or no warning. ... Read More»
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Location: Downtown Ouagadougou Event: On March 2, 2018 gunmen attacked multiple locations in the downtown Ouagadougou area. The shelter-in-place order for U.S. Embassy personnel has been lifted. However movements in and around Ouagadougou, especially after dark, are to be limited until further notice. Actions to Take: Avoid the area of downtown Ouagadougou. Monitor local media ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Avoid Area Of Downtown Ouagadougou
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou has received reports of gunfire in downtown Ouagadougou. Avoid the area of downtown Ouagadougou. Seek secure shelter. Monitor local media for updates. Check back here for more updates from the embassy. Read More»
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (February 27, 2018)
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (February 27, 2018) Location: Ouaga 2000, Salle de Conference, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Event: U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou advises U.S. citizens to avoid the area around the Salle de Conference near the Laico Hotel in Ouaga 2000 due to heightened police presence. More than 80 people will be on trial before a ... Read More»
State Department Designation of Ansarul Islam
U.S. Department Of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Media Note February 20, 2018 The Department of State has designated Ansarul Islam as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. E.O. 13224 imposes strict sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed, or pose a significant ... Read More»
USDA selects Burkina Faso as FY2018 priority country for McGovern–Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program
The United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service is pleased to announce that Burkina Faso is among the countries selected as a 2018 McGovern-Dole Priority Country. Please see USDA’s McGovern-Dole web page for more information. Applications are due to USDA Friday, March 30, 2018. Please see the FY 2018 McGovern Dole Notice of Funding Opportunity web page for ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Scheduled Demonstrations on January 10, 2018
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the National Coordination of Education Unions is planning a demonstration in Ouagadougou at 9am on Wednesday, January 10. The protesters are scheduled to gather at the Worker’s Union Office on Avenue Monseigneur Thevenou and march the following route: Avenue Monseigneur Thevenou- Avenue des Cineastes- United Nation Plaza- Avenue ... Read More»
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service FY2018 Cochrane Fellowship Program Seeking Applicants
The United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) is recruiting FY2018 Cochran Fellowship participants from Burkina Faso’s Hotel, Restaurant and Institution (HRI) sector. Ideally, we are looking for hotel/restaurant chefs or managers in charge of menu selection or ingredient purchasing. The hope is that after a two- to three-week training in the ... Read More»
FOOD FOR PEACE DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2018 REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT FOOD SECURITY ACTIVITIES IN BURKINA FASO
USAID released its draft Fiscal Year 2018 (FY 2018) Request for Applications (RFA) for development food and nutrition security activities in Burkina Faso, in addition to its country-specific information (CSI). Because these materials are in draft and subject to change, all potential applicants are strongly advised to wait for the final versions before starting to ... Read More»
Worldwide Caution
As part of the Department of State’s continuous efforts to provide U.S. citizens traveling abroad with information about safety and security events, we are updating the Worldwide Caution with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions, political violence, and criminal activity against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated September ... Read More»
Embassy joins a global campaign for women’s condition
The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou is coordinating activities and outreach throughout the 16 Days Campaign to raise awareness, change the conversation, and combat traditionally accepted gender roles that tolerate violence against women. The UN’s 16 Days of Activism campaign begins on November 25 with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and runs through December 10, International Human Rights Day . This campaign aims to elevate women’s role in ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Student Demonstrations Impeding Traffic on Charles de Gaulle Avenue in Ouagadougou – November 27, 2017
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Student Demonstrations Impeding Traffic on Charles de Gaulle Avenue in Ouagadougou November 27, 2017 The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens of reports that students are defacing public property and impeding traffic on Charles de Gaulle Avenue. There have been no reports of violence but U.S. ... Read More»
A Capacity Building Training with ARS Speaker Eduardo Cué Strengthen GoBF Spokespersons Communication Strategies
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou noticed a communication gap between government policies and Burkinabe citizens. The government may be doing good things of which the people are not aware or the government may be trying to communicate in crisis situations, but not doing so effectively causing rumors and misinformation. To promote the Embassy’s goal of rooting Burkina’s ... Read More»
Annual Competition for the Fulbright and Humphrey Exchange Programs from December 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018
The Embassy of the United States of America, announces the Annual Competition for the Fulbright & Humphrey Exchange Programs from December 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018. Public information sessions are held every Wednesday from 15:00 to 17:00, beginning Wednesday, December 6, 2017 and continuing through January 31, 2018 at the American Embassy Ouaga 2000. (Cell phones & computers not ... Read More»
The South-West Regions Welcome U.S. Embassy Team
Ambassador Andrew Young hit the road visiting Diebougou, Bobo-Dioulasso and Banfora in the South-West regions of Burkina Faso from November 7 to 11, 2017. Joined by colleagues from the Consular, Political, Economic, and Public Affairs sections, the Ambassador looked to strengthen partnerships in the regions visited and support several Embassy projects. In Diebougou, two local ... Read More»
Fulbright and Humphrey Information Sessions in Bobo Dioulasso, A Resounding Success!
On Thursday, November 09, 2017 a team from the American Embassy held an information session at hotel Dioulassoba in Bobo Dioulasso, on the Fulbright and Humphrey programs as part of the Banfora-Diebougou-Bobo Road Show. More than 125 people attended the information session. The audience was mainly university students and teachers, researchers, professionals, members of Rotary, ... Read More»
2017 Ouagadougou Marine Corps Birthday Ball Remarks
Mr. le Président de L’Assemblée Nationale Mr. le Ministre d’État pour la Sécurité Mr. le Général de Brigade Chef des Forces Armées Honored Guests and family members Above all Dear Marines led by Detachment Commander Gunnery Sgt Brent Espinoza and his partner in support of all our Marines, LaToya Belle. What an honor to celebrate ... Read More»
2017 YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship Debriefing Showcases Burkinabe Youth Transforming Communities
The U.S. Embassy‘s Public Affairs Section organized a debriefing session for the FY 2017 YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship participants in the Information Resource Center at the Embassy. The group was inspired by Ambassador Andrew Young’s call for action, encouraging Fellows to share their newly acquired skills and knowledge gained during their fellowship to positively impact ... Read More»
Internship Program
The Embassy of the United States in Ouagadougou is currently recruiting interns to serve four months, from December 2017 to March 2018. The internship Program was designed for students in Burkina Faso and aims at benefiting both the Embassy and students by providing students with valuable educational experience in foreign affairs and by assisting posts in ... Read More»
Embassy Connects Youth and Tech to Improve Burkina Communities
TechCamp workshops in countries around the world connect participants with technology experts to co-create innovative tech solutions to real-world challenges. These camps harness the power of everyday tech to help find local solutions to local problems. In July, the U.S. Embassy sent ten Burkinabe youth to attend a U.S. State Department funded Tech Camp in ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Peace Corps Evacuation – September 5, 2017
United States Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Peace Corps Evacuation September 5, 2017 The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the Peace Corps, acting with an abundance of caution, and considering the unique circumstances of Peace Corps service, recently evacuated their volunteers from Burkina due to security concerns. The Peace Corps will ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Security Awareness Recommendations in Ouagadougou – August 25, 2017
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Security Awareness Recommendations in Ouagadougou August 25, 2017 The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to take proactive steps to enhance their personal security. In light of terrorist attacks at downtown public venues such as hotels and cafés in Ouagadougou over the past two years, we ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: Avenue Kwame N’Krumah Open to Traffic – August 17, 2017
United States Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Message for U.S. Citizens: Avenue Kwame N’Krumah Open to Traffic August 17, 2017 The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens that Avenue Kwame N’krumah in Ouagadougou is open to traffic and the order for embassy personnel to avoid travel to that area of downtown Ouagadougou has been lifted. The Embassy ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Update on Recent Attack at the Istanbul Restaurant
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso August 14, 2017 The U.S. Embassy has lifted the order to shelter in place for embassy personnel. The Embassy continues to urge U.S. citizens to avoid downtown Ouagadougou due to an ongoing investigation into the August 13 attack at the Istanbul restaurant on Avenue Kwame N’Krumah. The government of Burkina Faso reports ... Read More»
Official Statement on Ouagadougou Attack – August 14, 2017
The United States condemns last night’s heinous attacks in Ouagadougou and shares our condolences with those who lost loved ones or suffered injuries. We stand by the peaceful and resolute people of Burkina Faso and the other countries of the G-5 Sahel in our common resolve against terrorism. We are inspired by the resilience of ... Read More»
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens Avoid Downtown Ouagadougou – August 14, 2017
The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid downtown Ouagadougou and shelter in place. The Embassy received reports late Sunday night of gunfire in downtown Ouagadougou. The Government of Burkina Faso reports that 17 were killed and 8 wounded during an attack at the Istanbul restaurant on Avenue Kwame Nkrumah. We urge U.S. citizens in Ouagadougou to contact family ... Read More»
The U.S. Embassy signs a three year memorandum of understanding for the American Corner in Koudougou
Public Affairs Officer Ken Reiman met with Professor Barro Nicolas, President of University Norbert Zongo, to sign a three year memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the American Corner in Koudougou. This year alone the space provided 138 programs on American culture, English language, and educational opportunities to more than 20,000 visitors. We are eager to ... Read More»
U.S. Army Cadets Strengthen U.S-Burkinabe Bonds
The United States is a perennial friend to Burkina Faso. That friendship is reflected in the numerous outreach programs we have with Burkina Faso, including the U.S. Army Cadet Understanding and Language Proficiency Program (CULP). The CULP sends cadets from different universities across the United States to travel in small groups to other nations across the ... Read More»
Notice Of Funding Opportunity: Small PD Grants Program For Combatting Zika And Vector-Borne Diseases
The Public Diplomacy Section in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is seeking applications to implement a project entitled Empowering communities to protect and promote health through preventing Zika and other vector borne diseases. The goal of this project is to empower vulnerable communities living in “non-lotis” or slums of Ouagadougou through information ... Read More»
Ambassador Young Inspired by Fulbright Health Clubs in the Center-East region
Ambassador Andrew Young met with the Mayor of Boussouma, Yoda Francois-De-Salles, to exchange ideas on development opportunities and challenges in Boussouma. Accompanied by various community leaders, the Ambassador visited two women’s associations, including the Association of Female Weavers of Boussouma and the Female Association of Tomato Processing where he witnessed female entrepreneurs producing Burkinabe products. ... Read More»
Ambassador Young Promotes Civic Engagement in Center-East Region
A delegation from the embassy visited Tenkodogo as part of the Dango road show. After a courtesy visit to the Governor of the Central-East Region, the Ambassador visited the locality of Kougsabla where he was able to hear first-hand the positive economic and health impact the Ambassador’s Special’s Self Help program has had in financing ... Read More»
American Film Week, Cultural Crossroads
Launched by U. S. Ambassador Andrew Young the day after July 4th Independence Day celebrations, the Fifth Annual American Film Week, a collaborative project between the U. S. Embassy and the Institut Français in Ouagadougou, reached its climax with three back-to-back film shows on July 8, 2017. Over the course of four days, seven recent ... Read More»
The U.S. Embassy Celebrates the 4th of July on Civism Topic
On July 4, the United States Embassy in Burkina Faso celebrated the 241st anniversary of independence of the United States of America with its new ambassador, Andrew R. Young, who presided over the ceremony. National and international partners, government actors from Burkina Faso, members of the press, and prominent guests were invited to celebrate the ... Read More»
Visit to the “Entrepreneurs Women Workshop” in Koudougou
On June 27, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy to Burkina Faso, David Young, went to Koudougou to take part in the inauguration of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Workshop, a conference funded by the U.S. Embassy. The workshop aims to build in women the capacity to start and maintain their own business ... Read More»
The American Roadshow Brings Ambassador Andrew R. Young to the Center-South Region
On June 23-24, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Burkina Faso Andrew R. Young toured the South Center region. The American diplomat and his delegation visited the localities of Po, Kombissisiri and Pissi. In Po, the Ambassador first stopped at the High Commission of the province of Nahouri for a meeting with ... Read More»
Ambassador Young visits the first burkinabe FabLab
On May 31, Ambassador Andrew R. Young and his delegation visited Ouagalab, a digital manufacturing laboratory created in 2011 by young enthusiasts in Burkina Faso. The aim of the laboratory is to promote innovative ideas that address problems in agriculture, health and education through the use of digital and local resources. The young people involved ... Read More»
Important Change on the Visa Process
As of June 1, 2017 the nonimmigrant visa process will change. Please visit our Global Support Services (GSS) website for complete information on applying for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa at the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou, including a directory of nonimmigrant visa categories . Read More»
U.S. Embassy Strengthen Journalists capacities in Investigation and Fact Checking
The Public Affairs section at the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso organized workshops on “Investigative Journalism and Fact Checking” in Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou led by France-based media expert George Kazolias. The first two-day workshop was held in Bobo-Dioulasso from May 15-16. Upon his return to Ouagadougou, Mr. Kazolias exchanged with communications students at Aube Nouvelle ... Read More»
US Ambassador Young meets Burkina Faso 2017 Mandela Washington Fellows
May 8-9, 2017, the embassy of the United States of America in Ouagadougou hosted 15 young Burkinabe selected to represent their country as Mandela Washington Fellows in the USA. They will be part of a group of 1,000 young Africans from across the continent who will spend 6 weeks in the USA attending academic institutes ... Read More»
American Corner-Koudougou Supports Womens’ Entrepreneurship Training
On May 16, 2017, a team from the United States Embassy in Ouagadougou visited the Women’s Entrepreneurship Seminar led by American citizen volunteer Rachel Almeida at the American Corner-Koudougou located on the campus of the University of Koudougou. This group of young, ambitious women, comprised of mostly University of Koudougou students, has been meeting weekly ... Read More»
Coming soon: A new way to apply for a visa!
As of June 1, 2017 we will be moving toward a new and easier way to schedule and pay for visa interviews. From June 1, 2017 Global Support Strategy (GSS) will replace the current visa support services. With GSS, applicants will be provided with services to support non-immigrant processing of visa applications, mainly fee collection, appointment ... Read More»
Concession agreement for Operation of Cafeteria Services
COVER LETTER 19 May 2017 To All Prospective Offerors: Enclosed is an Invitation to Tender for a concession agreement for Operation of Cafeteria Services at American Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Enclosure 1 consists of the proposed Licensing Agreement, which would be executed between the Embassy and the selected operator. That Agreement consists of the main ... Read More»
The American Library discusses Climate Change with Students
The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou organized a public event on climate change. The discussion featured TED talks and other videos on environment. Each video projection was followed by a discussion in which participants expressed their opinions. Participants discussed the causes and consequences of climate change. They debated the controversial “Holistic Planned Grazing” method developed by Allan ... Read More»
The US Embassy and APF celebrate Earth Day through a Concert
As part of the commemoration of International Earth Day, the U.S. Embassy through its Public Affairs Section sponsored public Earth Day celebration concert featuring the USAFE (US Air Force in Europe) band “Touch’n Go” and local Burkinabe musician Nabalum as well as “Les Voix de Laafi” choir. The event was held on Tuesday, April 18th at ... Read More»
American, Burkinabe English Educators Reinforce Teaching Methods
In Koudougou on March 25, 2017, English Language Fellows Ms. Alexis Cherewka from the Université Aube Nouvelle-Ouagadougou and Mr. Kyle Kaminski, from the Université de Koudougou, trained a group of 19 Burkinabe English educators. The group was composed of American Language Center-Koudougou instructors, regional English inspectors and teacher-trainers from the Ministry of Education, and secondary ... Read More»
Peace Corps USA: Let Girls Learn Training in Koupéla
April 4-6, 2017, a team from the United States Peace Corps office in Ouagadougou organized a 3-day training in Koupéla on girls’ education and gender issues for nineteen (19) participants, including ten Peace Corps volunteers and nine of their community counterparts coming from 10 different villages. Since 2015, the Peace Corps USA has taken its ... Read More»
Ouagadougou English Access Program Students are Leaders-In-Training
On March 11, 2017, 100 English Access Microscholarship Program students engaged in a half-day leadership training hosted at Université Aube Nouvelle (U-AUBEN) in Ouagadougou. U. S. Embassy Director of Public Affairs, Brenda Soya, pulled out her rope and blindfolds for some fun leadership and communication exercises that not only had students laughing but learning. In ... Read More»
U. S. Embassy provides professional journal to English educators
During this month of March 2017, the U. S. Embassy in Ouagadougou has distributed over 3,000 copies of recent editions of a U. S. government published English teaching professional journal to four regional offices of the Ministry of National Education. English teachers, inspectors, and advisors in the Central, North Central, Sahel, and Hauts Bassins regions ... Read More»
American Road Show to Dori highlights the Importance of Cooperation in Countering Terrorism
Ambassador Andrew Young and a delegation from the Mission traveled to Dori in the Sahel Region. During the visit the Ambassador spoke with participants of a Security Symposium organized by Union Fraternelle des Croyants encouraging collaboration between government, military and civil society. The participants worked together to draw a list of recommendations of activities that ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Gives English Day Prizes at Lycée Municipal of Koudougou
On February 25, 2017, English reigned supreme at the Municipal Secondary School of Koudougou. U. S. Peace Corps volunteers, working with local English teachers and administrators, organized an English Day filled with contests and activities for all junior and senior high students at the school. Neighborhood elementary school children squeezed in the front on the ... Read More»
U. S. English Teacher gets Burkinabe Students, Professionals Speaking English
English teacher Alexis Cherewka noticed students at her host institution, Université Aube Nouvelle (U-AUBEN), and professionals training at the American Language Center (ALC) were exceling in reading and writing English and most were grammar gurus. However, they felt having a conversation was much more challenging. In spite of mastering many aspects of the English language, ... Read More»
American Dancers at the In-Out Dance Festival
Through the Arts Envoy Program of the United States government, director/choreographer Chris Rudd and his 7-member dance company, RudduR Dance, came to Burkina Faso to participate in the In-Out Dance Festival in Bobo-Dioulasso, February 5-11, 2017. The United States Embassy has been a supporting partner of the In-Out Dance Festival since it began four years ... Read More»
Ouagadougou: American Dancers meet Access Program Students
Through the Arts Envoy Program of the United States government, director/choreographer Chris Rudd and his 7-member dance company, RudduR Dance, came to Burkina Faso to participate in FIDO (Festival International de Danse de Ouagadoudgou) and the In-Out Dance Festival in Bobo-Dioulasso. During their visit, these dancers met with about 150 students in the U. S. ... Read More»
Ambassador Young visits Bobo Dioulasso on the American Road Show
Ambassador Andrew Young led a large Embassy delegation to Burkina Faso’s second city for a whirlwind tour also known as the “American Road Show” that supported the Mission’s foreign assistance programs. The four-day trip to Bobo-Dioulasso consisted of meetings with the region’s Secretary General and with local religious leaders, a visit to an infectious diseases ... Read More»
Internship Program
The Embassy of the United States in Ouagadougou is currently recruiting interns to serve four months, from August to November 2017. The internship Program was designed for students in Burkina Faso and aims at benefiting both the Embassy and students by providing students with valuable educational experience in foreign affairs and by assisting posts in accomplishing ... Read More»
Public Diplomacy Team met with Diebougou’s high Schools Students
From January 9 to 10, 2017, a team from the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section traveled to Diebougou (south west) to meet with high school students about the Embassy’s Youth Leadership Program. The team met with 30 students at two different high schools who are engaged in their community to discuss youth leadership. The team ... Read More»
Ambassador Andrew Young celebrates the end of the Badenya Battalion 5 training
On December 16, Ambassador Andrew Young traveled to the Loumbila camp to attend the graduation ceremony of the Badenya 5 battalion. Read More»
Annual Competition for the Fulbright & Humphrey Exchange Programs
The Embassy of the United States of America, announces the Annual Competition for the Fulbright & Humphrey Exchange Programs from December 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017. Read More»
Embassy Ouagadougou hosted an Education Fair
On the occasion of the International Education Week (IEW), Embassy Ouagadougou hosted an education fair on November 18, 2016,with many activities to inform parents and students about their educational choices and support our economic and social development goal. We hosted the Virtual College fair where participants visited tables lined with university advertisement and catalogs. American ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Increase in Reports of Dengue Infection
November 15, 2016 Embassy Ouagadougou’s Interdisciplinary Health Team has been made aware of an increase in reports of Dengue in and around Ouagadougou. Symptoms of Dengue can be very similar to malaria and include flu-like symptoms such as: high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rash and mild bleeding from ... Read More»
Election Night at the U.S Embassy in Ouagadougou
The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou hosted a live election night watch party on November 8 for nearly 300 people. Guests consisted primarily of alumni, former local interns, and library patrons, as well as high-level Embassy contacts, including social media luminaries, political party representatives, and third-country diplomats. They gathered to watch the results come in as ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Welcomes Students of the International School of Ouagadougou to the American Library
Thirty 4th and 5th grade students from the International School of Ouagadougou (ISO) visited the American library on October 17. Staff from the Public Affairs Section welcomed them and gave them an overview of the resources available and how to access them. The staff then divided the classes into small groups and facilitated a scavenger ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Welcome 2016 YALI Alumni
On October 14, 2016, the U.S. Embassy organized at the Paul Zoungrana Center in Ouagadougou a debriefing session with the fifteen 2016 YALI alumni who returned recently from the Mandela Washington Fellowship in the United States. During the session, they shared their experiences, the valuable skills they gained, and their plans now that they have ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi leads a U.S. Embassy delegation to the North
Ambassador Mushingi led a U.S. Embassy delegation to Ouahigouya for an event-filled “American Road Show” on October 6. Accompanied for part of the day by the Minister of Higher Education, the Ambassador participated in a handover ceremony of a three-room school building and visited an agricultural intensification project, both of which are funded by USAID. ... Read More»
FBF Honors Ambassador Mushingi with 2016 Award for Peace
Washington, D.C. – Friends of Burkina Faso (FBF) is honored to present its second annual Award for Peace to the Honorable Tulinabo S. Mushingi, Ambassador of the United States to Burkina Faso. Nominated by several sources, Ambassador Mushingi has played an important part in maintaining peace in Burkina Faso throughout the tumultuous events of the ... Read More»
YALI Information Session in Pô
On October 5, 2016, the U. S. Embassy in Ouagadougou organized an information session at the City Hall in Pô about the Young African Leadership Initiative’s Mandela Washington Fellowship. The period to apply for the 2017 Fellowship program is September 21 – October 26, 2016. This program is an initiative of President Obama to offer ... Read More»
YALI Information Session in Koudougou
On September 22, 2016, the U. S. Embassy in Ouagadougou organized an information session at the American Corner in Koudougou about the Young African Leadership Initiative’s Mandela Washington Fellowship. The period to apply for the 2017 Fellowship program is September 21 – October 26, 2016. This program is an initiative of President Obama to offer ... Read More»
Access Program teachers empowered to innovate
September 6-9, 2016, the U. S. Embassy in Ouagadougou and the American Language Center at Université Aube Nouvelle, Ouagadougou organized a training in Bobo-Dioulasso for teachers of the English Access Microscholarship Program. The Access Program, funded by the United States government, provides two years of supplementary personal development and educational activities in a framework of ... Read More»
DCM hosts a CVE poster exhibition and reception
On September 8, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) David K. Young hosted at his residence a poster exhibition on the theme of countering violent extremism. In attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Youth, the Ministry of Higher Education, and the Ministry of Security, as well various stakeholders in the fight against violent extremism. Forty ... Read More»
Sixty-One Peace Corps Volunteers Sworn-In
Sixty-one Peace Corps Volunteers were sworn in on August 30 at the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou. The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi, the Minister of Agriculture representing the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and other government officials. After a speech by Peace Corps Director Keith Hackett and thank you addresses ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Visited the Honey Bee Project in Koubri
Ambassador Mushingi visited the CEAS (Albert Schweitzer Ecological Center Association of Burkina Faso) honey treatment center in Koubri, a rural community near Ouagadougou on July 20th. He was met and greeted upon his arrival by the Mayor of Koubri, religious and traditional leaders, and the CEAS staff with the representatives and partners of the honey ... Read More»
U.S. Ambassador Mushingi Visits CFIAM
Ambassador Mushingi paid a visit to the students of CFIAM (Centre feminin d’initiation et d’apprentissage aux metiers) in Ouaga 2000 on Thursday, July 21st. The center is managed by Association tout pour tous – Yennenga. Its secretary general Bernard Zongo gave the Ambassador a tour of the workshops and classrooms, followed by a tree ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi giving remarks during GHSA launching ceremony
Ambassador Mushingi led a ten-person delegation from the U.S. Embassy to the launching ceremony of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) at Blaise Compaore Hospital on August 4, 2016. The ceremony, presided over by Prime Minister Paul Kaba Thieba, marked Burkina Faso’s formal commitment to the GHSA as it joins in the effort to accelerate ... Read More»
Ambassador’s Speech on Independence Day
Distinguished guests in your respective ranks, functions- gender, age, confessions, hometowns, political leaning and aspirations- My fellow Americans, Ramadan Kareem, On this Fourth of July marking the 240th anniversary of my country’s birth, please allow me for a moment to reflect on what we, the American people, believe in and the values that we share ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: IRS Webinar “Foreign Earned Income for U.S. Overseas Taxpayers”
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will host a webinar “Foreign Earned Income for U.S. Overseas Taxpayers” on June 29, 2016, 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT. To register and attend this webinar, use the Foreign Earned Income for U.S. Overseas Taxpayers or https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/445/15416 webinar link. Attendees should log in 10 minutes prior to the start time. The session will be recorded and made available at a ... Read More»
ARS Speaker George Kazolias Engages with journalists in Ouaga and Bobo-Dioulasso
ARS speaker and media consultant George Kazolias encouraged 20 Bobo-Dioulasso-based media workshop participants on one hand and over 20 participants in Ouagadougou on another hand to continue to hold the government accountable even though national and municipal elections have ended. Mr. Kazolias led a two-day workshop in both cities for journalists representing print, online, radio, ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Zone du Bois Security Guidance Lifted
Embassy Ouagadougou has confirmed that the area near MACO in Ouagadougou’s Zone du Bois neighborhood has returned to normal following the security incident on May 22. There is no longer any restriction concerning the movements of embassy personnel in proximity to MACO. For further information: See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution , Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Burkina Faso Country Specific Information ... Read More»
U.S. Congratulates Burkina Faso on Organizing and Implementing Municipal Elections
The United States congratulates Burkina Faso for its organization and implementation of municipal elections. We regret that populations in Zogore, Béguédo and Bouroum-Bouroum were not able to vote and hope that a solution is found that will allow them to vote. We encourage everyone to accept the election results and to avoid violence. We ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Meets with UN Officials
Ambassador Mushingi exchanging ideas with UN Representative H.E.M Mohammed Ibn Chambas, and UNDP, French and EU colleagues on Sahel Initiatives. Read More»
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens
Embassy Ouagadougou received reports from the police that a security event had occurred in Zone du Bois in Ouagadougou. Police reports are now indicating that the incident has been contained. The embassy has lifted its shelter in place requirement for embassy personnel. We encourage U.S. citizens to avoid the area near MACO in Zone du ... Read More»
American Road Show Visited the East Region
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi, Peace Corps Country Director Keith Hackett, and several members of the U.S. Mission traveled to the East Region for the “American Road Show” from May 18 to 19, 2016. The purpose of this Road Show was to highlight the work of some of the Peace Corps Volunteers in the region while connecting ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Upcoming Municipal Elections May 22nd
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that municipal elections are scheduled on May 22, 2016. Elections are part of an ongoing, dynamic, and sometimes heated process of political change. There is presently no reason to believe U.S. citizens would be specifically targeted in the event of election-related unrest. U.S. citizens should maintain a high level ... Read More»
Public Diplomacy Held a DVC on Crisis Reporting and Press Freedom
On Thursday, May 12, 2016, the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou offered a training session for journalists on reporting during crises and press freedom. Elisabeth Bryant, an American journalist participating via DVC from Paris, shared her knowledge and experience with moderation from superstar intern Andrew. The debates focused on the realities faced by journalists confronted with ... Read More»
Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop for Malaria
From May 10 to 12, 2016, a malaria Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop was held at the training center UNITAS in Koudougou. The workshop was organized by Peace Corps Burkina Faso with the support from the Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) represented by Soumaila KY and Moussa KABORE. The workshop ... Read More»
Ambassador Leads a CVE Tour in the Mentao Refugee Camp
On May 9, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi and his delegation traveled to Soum Province in the North of Burkina Faso. After landing in Djibo, His Excellency, who invited the Ministry of Homeland Security, Simon Compaoré, to come with him, headed for the Mentao Refugee Camp. There, he met with some of the nearly 13,000 residents of ... Read More»
American Band Lionel Loueke Jazz Trio Engage with Local Musicians and Perform at Jazz à Ouaga
As a partner of the music festival “Jazz à Ouaga,” an international cultural event founded in 1992, the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou invited the American band Lionel Loueke Jazz Trio to perform in Burkina Faso. As its name suggests, the band is composed of renowned guitarist Lionel Loueke, as well as bassist Massimo Biolcati and ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Visits Radio Burkina
As part of his periodic visits to media outlets, Ambassador Mushingi paid a courtesy visit to the Director of Radio Burkina, M. Evariste Combary, on April 28, 2016. After a brief introduction, the Ambassador was led into a guided tour of the facilities. From the production office to the studios, and from the maintenance room ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Chats with Students
Ambassador Mushingi engaging some students on their views on the latest cases of students striking and vandalizing property. Read More»
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Visits Burkina Faso
On Friday, April 23, 2016, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Steven Feldstein visited the Centre Norbert Zongo in Ouagadougou, established in 1998. He met there with various stakeholders, including the press and human rights defense associations. Key concerns were raised by the latter, especially in terms of justice, ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Offers a Basketball to the Moogho Naaba
Ambassador Mushingi led a team to the Mogho Naaba palace on April 19, 2016. The purpose of the visit was to offer a basketball signed by famous retired basketball player Dikembe Mutombo to the Mogho Naaba. The Mogho Naaba, king of the mossi tribe is known for his love of sport, including basketball. Ambassador Mushingi took ... Read More»
Tuli in Tuili
On Thursday, April 14, 2016, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingui and his staff traveled to the village of Tuili located 40 km of Ouagadougou. This road show referred to by the embassy as the ”Tuli in Tuili” was undertaken to view firsthand the progress of activities under way by Association Namanegbzanga in the area. Namanegbzanga is one of ... Read More»
Junior Students of La Capucine School Visited the American Library
On Monday, April 11th, 2016, junior students from the Capucine School visited the American Library in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso with their teachers to celebrate Jazz and Environment Month. After a brief welcoming note by Public Affairs Officer Brenda Soya, the children were introduced to the Library services and materials. They learned about jazz music as ... Read More»
Signing Ceremony for USAID CILSS Support to ECOWAS
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi presided over the signing ceremony of the USAID Inter State Committee to Fight Drought in the Sahel (ISCFDS) support to ECOWAS on April 7 In Ouagadougou. The funding amounts to $3.6 million (approx. 2.08 billion CFA Francs) and is designed to allow the ISCFDS to support ECOWAS projects and strengthen governance capacity in ... Read More»
Ambassador Leads Dedougou Visit Focusing on Education, Agriculture, and CVE
Ambassador Mushingi went to the city of Dédougou (Boucle du Mouhoun Region) on March 29th to attend the program launch of “Second Chance.” This program was implemented by the association IQRA, a Romanization of the Arabic verb ‘read’, and financed by the United States. The program’s goal is to bring basic education into the region’s ... Read More»
Apples of the Earth: Potato Production in Ramsa By Volunteer Michael Beals
The Northern Village of Ramsa is filled with motivated individuals who are eager to work. Unfortunately, many are missing the financial means necessary to start income generating activities. In addition, the region is known for its potato production capabilities. Some gardeners were able to produce them in the past, but with mounting seed costs many ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Meets with POTUS During COM in D.C.
Last week, his Excellency Tulinabo S. Mushingi, the Ambassador of the United States to Burkina Faso, was in Washington D.C. for the annual conference of ambassadors. This conference is a gathering place for American diplomatic representatives from around the world and serves as an occasion to improve embassy collaboration and strengthen leadership. During the conference, ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Vigilance and Travel within Burkina Faso
On March 15 the U.S. Department of Defense issued a travel advisory that places restrictions on unofficial, i.e., personal, travel by Department of Defense personnel to Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Guinea until June 30, 2016. These restrictions only apply to active duty and civilian employees of the Department of Defense. However, please ... Read More»
American Library English Club Studies Black Women Who Changed History
On March 17, 2016, the American Library at the Embassy of the United States of American in Ouagadougou hosted its monthly English Club meeting. The focus was on Women’s History Month. US Embassy English Program Specialist Lynn Hanson Ouedraogo led the participants through exercises in summarizing and identifying key points in texts by studying short ... Read More»
Eleven E-Teacher Program Scholars Honored at Luncheon
On Friday, March 11, 2016, the Embassy of the United States of America hosted a luncheon in Ouagadougou for 11 E-Teacher Program Scholars who completed 10-week on-line courses in English teaching methodology during 2015. The E-Teacher Program is funded by the US Department of State through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and locally ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Wears the 8 of March Colors
Embassy celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8 by wearing the traditional fabric made in Burkina Faso. Throughout the month of March we recognize the contributions women have made around the world to the economy, society and to government. While we have seen remarkable progress, with women in the highest ranks of business, politics and ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Worldwide Caution
The Department of State is updating the Worldwide Caution with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Current information suggests that ISIL, al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, ... Read More»
Ambassador Visits a Center Hosting Women Victims of Obstetric Fistula
On March 3, the Ambassador went to the Rama Foundation, an organization which hosts women victims of obstetrical fistula, to create awareness and to see their living conditions. He visited all of the Center’s infrastructure including their kitchen gardens, dormitories, school, and clinics where he met with patients arriving for surgery. His Excellency listened to ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Donates $1 Million to the National Assembly
The United States Embassy announces a $1 million project to strengthen the legislative branch as a way to promote a closer relationship between legislators and citizens. The project aims to build capacity of members of parliament and their staff on drafting bills and better represent the citizenry. The project will work with civil society to ... Read More»
Consular Section Hosted an Information Session on Official and Diplomatic Visas
On February 26, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted an information session on official and diplomatic visas for protocol officers and travel assistants of the local ministries and government institutions, and international organizations. Over 50 participants benefited from hearing the opening words from Ambassador Mushingi, a presentation by Consular Assistant Caroline Conseibo which ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens : Travel Restrictions (Update)
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens in Burkina Faso that the area of the Splendid Hotel, Cappuccino Café, and Yiba Hotel is no longer restricted. Likewise, Embassy staff is no longer advised to avoid locations south of Avenue Pascal Zagre (the east-west road between Hotel Laico and the Embassy) or the Place de la Nation. ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Hosts a DVC on Civic Engagement for CSOs
On Thursday, February 25, the U.S. Embassy hosted a video conference on the theme, “Civic Engagement” organized by the American Library. For many, it certainly was a rich debate moment. The speaker, Lex Paulson, is an expert on issues related to democratic engagement and accountable governments and spoke about the importance of democracy. He gave ... Read More»
Alumni Share their Experience on Countering Violent Extremism
The first of four alumni networking events hosted jointly by the alumni group and the Public Affairs Section was held on Thursday, February 25. The event was based around countering violent extremism, keynoted by a panel of alumni such as Abdoulaye Diallo, Daouda Zalle, Hawa Bissiri, Mathieu Bere, and renowned theologian Ilboudo Khalid. They shared ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Visits Cappuccino
On February 23, 2016, U.S. Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi and Embassy staff visited the site of the January 15 terrorist attacks where he proceeded to lead a moment of silence for the victims. They later sat down at “Taxi Brousse” to have a symbolic drink in order to show that for the United States, Burkina is ... Read More»
Food Security Fair
On Sunday February 14, 2015, a team of six Peace Corps Volunteers and their counterparts facilitated a training of 56 people in Moussodougou in the domain of food security. The primary goal of the training was to educate over 50 women in the areas of nutrition and small business development. After the theoretical sessions in the ... Read More»
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi Leads “Tea Tour” in Bobo-Dioualasso
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi traveled to the Hauts-Bassins Region from February 10-12, 2016 as part of the American Road Show. He first stopped in Hounde, a city located 100 kilometers from Bobo-Dioulasso, where he met with the High Commissioner and her staff and local parliament members. Once in Bobo, Ambassador Mushingi met with New Dawn University ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Curfew Lifted, Travel Restrictions Remain
The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou informs U.S. citizens that the government of Burkina Faso has lifted the curfew which it implemented following the terrorist attacks of January 15 and 16. Until further notice, the area surrounding the Splendid Hotel, Cappuccino Café, and Yibi Hotel is restricted due to the ongoing investigation (see the attached map). The restricted area ... Read More»
Chargé d’Affaires David K. Young Visits Kamsi and Ramongo
Chargé d’Affaires David Young from the U.S. Embassy traveled to Kamsi in Koudougou (West Center Region) to preside over the ground breaking ceremony of the rehabilitation of the Kamsi water retention basin. Together with the High Commissioner of the province, Chargé Young also presided over the ceremony of delivery of solar panels for the electrification ... Read More»
Nutrition and Culinary Diversity Training by Volunteer Clara Tessler
Ouessa is located in the Southwest region. It experiences more significant rainfall than elsewhere with relatively rich natural resources. People have access to a reasonable variety of food and have the potential to eat highly nutritive meals. Though starvation is not a conspicuous problem in Ouessa, malnutrition does remain an issue, and, by and large, ... Read More»
Ambassador Addresses Students at L’Université Saint Thomas d’Aquin
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi was a featured speaker at a conference hosted by L’Université Saint Thomas d’Aquin on Thursday, January 21, 2016. His remarks focused on language, culture and development. After observing a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the deadly attacks of last Friday, the Ambassador addressed the audience, composed mostly of ... Read More»
Internship Program
The Embassy of the United States in Ouagadougou has launched an Internship Program designed for students in Burkina Faso. This program intends to benefit both the Embassy and students by providing students with valuable educational experience in foreign affairs and by assisting posts in accomplishing their goals. In the last cycle, interns contributed to Public ... Read More»
Burkina Faso Travel Warning
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Burkina Faso. U.S. citizens in Burkina Faso, and those considering travel to Burkina Faso, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats to safety and security. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services in remote and ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: January 21, 2016 Town Hall Meeting
In light of the terrorist attack in Ouagadougou on January 15, the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso invites U.S. citizens to attend a town hall meeting with Ambassador Mushingi on Thursday, January 21 at 3:30 pm at the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou. Routine security screenings will apply; bring your U.S. passport for entry. Please note that non-U.S. ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Avoid Vicinity of Hotel Splendid
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that, as a result of the January 15 attack in the area of Hotel Splendid and Café restaurant Cappuccino, Embassy personnel have been instructed to avoid the vicinity while security officials clear the area and conduct an investigation. The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that a curfew has been ... Read More»
United States Condemns Attacks in Burkina Faso
The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso that began Friday: one on the Splendid Hotel, Capuccino Cafe, and the Yibi Hotel in which more than 25 people were killed, and another attack on a gendarmerie patrol near the northern mining town of Tinakoff in which two gendarmerie were killed. We extend ... Read More»
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Avoid Downtown Ouagadougou
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that until further notice, Embassy personnel have been instructed to avoid downtown Ouagadougou. The Embassy is monitoring reports fire and gunfire in the area of Hotel Splendid and Café restaurant Cappuccino. For further information: See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution , Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Burkina Faso Country Specific Information. Enroll in ... Read More»
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: 11 pm to 6 am Curfew
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that a curfew has been established from 11 pm until 6 am. Until further notice, Embassy personnel have been instructed to avoid downtown Ouagadougou. The Embassy is monitoring reports of fire and gunfire in the area of Hotel Splendid and Café restaurant Cappuccino. For further information: See the State Department’s travel website for ... Read More»
Screening of the Short Documentary “Finding Hope Under the Streetlights” at the U.S. Embassy
As part of its periodic film series, the Embassy hosted filmmaker Seidou Samba Toure, director of the short documentary, “L’espoir du lampadaire” (or “Finding Hope Under the Streetlights”). The film is Toure’s third overall and focuses on high school and college students who study outside under streetlights due to lack of indoor lighting at home ... Read More»
Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Meets with Burkinabe YALI
Five Mandela Washington Fellows (YALI alumni) met with Assistant Secretary of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield and AFRICOM Commander General David M. Rodriguez during a reception held in Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi’s Residence. It was a joyful reunion for Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and the Fellows following their first meeting in Washington last summer. The Assistant Secretary gave remarks in ... Read More»
U.S. Presidential Delegation to the Inauguration of President Roch Kaboré
A United States Presidential Delegation was in town yesterday to attend the inauguration of President Roch Kabore. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield led the delegation, which also included Commander of AFRICOM General David Rodriquez, and U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso Tulinabo Mushingi. As part of their visit, they met with the ... Read More»
Vegetable Fair of Bougui
Located in the “Gourma” province, Bougui is a village of roughly 2,500 people located 5 kilometers east of Fada N’Gourma. It has a dam that serves as the water source for the many gardens that Bougui depends on for food and income. Due to its proximity to a water source, Bougui has the means of ... Read More»
DCM Hosts an Climate Change Poster Exhibition and Reception
On Thursday, December 17, Deputy Chief of Mission David K. Young hosted a poster exhibition on environmental protection and climate change. The posters were created by Burkinabe students who responded to a competition announcement. In total, more than 49 hand-drawn works were submitted. The posters were evaluated on the basis of three criteria: their capacity ... Read More»
Prime Minister Decorates and Names Ambassador Mushingi Sid Pawalamde
Prime Minister Isaac Zida honored Ambassador Mushingi and Mission Ouaga on December 16, 2015 at the Kosyam palace by naming him “Sid Pawalamde” in Moore, or “truth is not whispered.” The decoration ceremony took place in front of many members of government and military, as well as a group from Mission Ouaga. Prime Minister I. ... Read More»
Ambassador to Karentenga to Support Children’s Education
On December 9, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi visited Karentenga in Bam province to launch the second phase of the Beoog Biiga project in Koundoula 1 School. Led by the international humanitarian organization Catholic Relief Service (CRS) with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this program provides access to quality education and maintenance for school ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Offers Media Training
The U.S. Embassy offered political journalism and election coverage training to Burkinabé journalists on December 8. The training was provided by international media consultant Eduardo Cue from France by videoconference. The session began with a discussion on the November 29 presidential and legislative elections. The journalist participants self-assessed their work covering the elections, and it ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi at Boussouma to Encourage Health Cooperation
On December 8, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi went to the cities of Kaya and Boussouma in the Center-North region. The main goal of the trip was to highlight U.S.-Burkina Faso cooperation in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) – in this case, Lymphatic Filiariasis and Blinding Trachoma. It is in this context that the Ambassador ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Travel to Parc W Prohibited for Embassy Personnel
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that because of safety and security reasons, U.S. Embassy personnel are currently prohibited from traveling to or staying at Parc National du W (Parc W), the regional national park located on Burkina Faso’s southeastern border with Niger and Benin. U.S. citizens are encouraged to follow the same guidance. For ... Read More»
Elections in Burkina Faso: Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price
The United States congratulates the people of Burkina Faso for participating in peaceful and orderly elections on November 29, marking a major milestone in the country’s democratic progress. In recent years, Burkinabe citizens have stood up to repeated attempts to infringe on their right to choose leaders in a legitimate process, turning back an effort ... Read More»
United States Congratulates Burkina Faso on Peaceful Election
Statement by Secretary Kerry I congratulate the people of Burkina Faso on holding peaceful and orderly presidential and legislative elections this week. Over the past two years the Burkinabe people have repeatedly demonstrated their strong commitment to democracy in the face of adversity, and shown that legitimate leadership requires public accountability. I further congratulate President-elect ... Read More»
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi Gave Three Radio Interviews on Election Day
As part of the U.S. Embassy’s support for Burkina Faso’s historic elections, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi gave three radio interviews on Election Day. He congratulated the Burkinabe people for their peaceful conduct, as well as all the volunteer observers for their commitment to electoral transparency. He then called all those registered to go out and vote, ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Land Border Closures
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the Government of Burkina Faso has announced several preventative security measures in advance of the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for November 29, 2015. Closure of land borders: Borders of Burkina Faso will be closed from Friday, November 27, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. until Tuesday, December 1, 2015 ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Upcoming Presidential and Legislative Elections Scheduled for November 29th
The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Burkina Faso of the upcoming presidential and legislative elections scheduled for November 29. U.S. citizens are reminded of the risks of travel to Burkina Faso and urged to exercise caution while traveling within Burkina Faso during the election season. This Travel Alert expires ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Holiday Season Security Reminders
The holiday season in Ouagadougou is upon us and, unfortunately, this may bring an increase in crime, vehicle accidents, and security-related incidents. The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and to utilize the following security practices: Personal Security Practices Vary your routes and times. Keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and ... Read More»
Burkina Faso Travel Alert
The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Burkina Faso of the upcoming presidential and legislative elections scheduled for November 29. U.S. citizens are reminded of the risks of travel to Burkina Faso and urged to exercise caution while traveling within Burkina Faso during the election season. This Travel Alert ... Read More»
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi Visits the iDE Drip Irrigation Site in Yamtenga
Ambassador Tulinabo S. Mushingi traveled to Yamtenga on the outskirts of Ouagadougou to visit the local iDE (International Development Enterprise) Technology Center. iDE is an American NGO that, among its many initiatives, develops and provides affordable drip irrigation kits. Just a week before the Paris COP21 summit, the event aimed to showcase accessible climate change-resilient ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Participates to the African Model United Nations Simulation
The U.S. Embassy sponsored the first edition of the African Model United Nations (AfriMUN) simulation that took place on November 20 in Ouagadougou. Ambassador Mushingi attended the opening ceremony alongside the Ministry of Higher Education to encourage program organizers and participants. This educational program simulated international negotiations in the United Nations. Participants came from different universities ... Read More»
Public Diplomacy Deputy Officer Help Young Women Develop Leadership Skill
The U.S. Embassy to Burkina Faso initiated a Women’s Leadership and Professional Development Seminar for the benefit of young women desiring to strengthen their capacities for successful business. The program started on November 17 with the support and participation of Ambassador Mushingi. More than sixty women attended the kick-off of Public Affairs’ fresh, new seminar ... Read More»
Ouagadougou EducationUSA Celebrates International Education Week
On the occasion of International Education Week, the Public Affairs team at the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso organized an EducationUSA information session to discuss higher education opportunities in the United States. The session provided students and graduates to-be with the opportunity to discover American universities through a morning expo and afternoon panel discussions in ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Donates Equipment to the National Television
As part of its support for the November elections, the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou provided the National Television (RTB) with operating equipment worth more than $28,000. This grant is the result of a project supporting media in its coverage of the November 2015 elections initiated jointly by RTB and the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section. During ... Read More»
Blood Drive at the Embassy
On Friday, October 30 the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou organized a blood drive in support of the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS). From the early hours of the day until noon, Embassy staff lined up to donate blood. In total, 35 blood bags were collected. Each day, blood is needed to save lives in Burkina ... Read More»
“Let Girls Learn” Leadership and Empowerment Camp
Yenneba, a 15-year-old village girl in Burkina Faso, was in her eighth year of schooling when her parents could no longer afford to pay for her, along with her younger sister and two younger brothers, to stay in school. After being told she could no longer attend school until she paid, she took matters into ... Read More»
U.S. Ambassador Visits Cinkassé and Bagré to Support Economic Growth in the Region
On October 28-29, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi and the American Road Show team visited Cinkassé and Bagré in Burkina Faso’s Eastern Region. The main objectives of this visit were to support sustainable economic growth, conduct a fact-finding mission on cross-border security, and assess investments in the Bagré rural zone. On the first day, the Ambassador and ... Read More»
YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship Explained to Potential Candidates
The U.S Embassy in Ouagadougou organized on October 21 a YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship information session to help potential applicants learn more about the program. The Ouagadougou info session, the first in a series of five which will include Bobo-Dioulasso, Fada N’Gourma, Ouahigouya, and Koudougou, was led by English Language Program Specialist Lynn Ouedraogo and ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Congratulates Special Olympics Athletes
On October 21, Ambassador Mushingi met with athletes from Burkina Faso’s national Special Olympics team who participated in this year’s World Games in Los Angeles. The Burkina team returned with 13 medals – including 6 gold medals – in various disciplines. The international sports competition was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver for children ... Read More»
Donation of Books to the Library of the Public University of Ouagadougou
The American Library in Ouagadougou organized a visit and a book donation to the library of the public university of Ouagadougou. These books were removed from the American library’s collection and offered to the library of the university. The donated books are mainly related to English learning and American literature & civilization. For Mr. Nikiema ... Read More»
Burkina Faso Travel Warning
This Travel Warning is being issued to inform U.S. citizens that the Department of State on October 9 terminated the “Authorized Departure” status which allowed eligible family members and non-emergency personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou to voluntarily depart the country on September 21. As a result of the termination of “Authorized Departure,” eligible ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Clearing of Naaba Koom Camp and Change in Curfew
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the Burkina Faso military continues clearing the Naaba Koom Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) camp in the Ouaga 2000 neighborhood, and explosions may be heard. These explosions are a result of regular military units destroying munitions that did not detonate during the September 29 assault on the camp. In ... Read More»
Africa: “Decisive Moment for Democracy”
By John Kerry Last May, I shared in an extraordinary moment. I had the privilege, together with many leaders from across Africa, of bearing witness to the first peaceful, democratic transition of power between two parties in Nigeria. I traveled to Lagos earlier this year to emphasize that for the United States, Nigeria is an ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou Launches the Mandela Washington Fellowship Recruitment in Burkina Faso
The Embassy of the United States of America in Ouagadougou launches the Mandela Washington Fellowship recruitment in Burkina Faso The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship of U. S. President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative – YALI. This program will bring 1,000 young leaders to the United States in 2016 for leadership training and mentoring ... Read More»
YALI Network Members Eager to Promote Civic Engagement
In order to encourage citizen participation in upcoming elections, the U.S. Embassies in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Ivory Coast invited their YALI Network members to a joint DVC event led by lawyer, writer and consultant Lex Paulson. Mr. Paulson participated in Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign and teaches Political Theory at Science Po Paris. He discussed ... Read More»
Internship Opportunity
The Embassy of the United States in Ouagadougou has launched an Internship Program designed for students in Burkina Faso. This program intends to benefit both the Embassy and students by providing students with valuable educational experience in foreign affairs and by assisting posts in accomplishing their goals. In the last cycle, interns contributed to Public ... Read More»
Call for Restraint in Burkina Faso
The United States remains deeply concerned about the fragile political and security situation in Burkina Faso. We call on all sides to seek common ground and take responsibility for protecting the human rights of all Burkinabe citizens, including those believed to have been involved in the recent effort to overthrow the transitional government. We urge ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Shelter in Place Lifted
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that Embassy staff is no longer required to shelter in place, but must obey the nationwide 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew, and must respect military checkpoints. Embassy staff has also been advised to avoid all locations south of Avenue Pascal Zagre (the east-west road between Hotel Laico and ... Read More»
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Military Artillery and Tank Fire
Burkina Faso military are firing artillery and tanks are shooting at the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) in Naaba Koom base. Sporadic gunfire also occurred in Ouaga 2000 throughout the afternoon. Embassy personnel in Ouaga 2000 continue to shelter in place. Likewise, we urge U.S. citizens in Ouaga 2000 to shelter in place. On September 29, ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy Staff in Ouaga 2000 Shelter In Place
On September 29, 2015 the Army Chief of Staff of Burkina Faso issued a notice recommending that individuals avoid travel to and within the Ouaga 2000 neighborhood in Ouagadougou. Embassy personnel in the Ouaga 2000 neighborhood have been instructed to shelter in place until further notice. Likewise, we urge U.S. citizens in Ouaga 2000 to ... Read More»
The “American Friends of Burkina” Awards a Prize for Peace to the Mogho Naaba
U.S. Ambassador Mushingi led a delegation of Peace Corps and the Association “Friends of Burkina Faso” to the Mogho Naaba Palace on Saturday September 26th to donate a “Peace Prize” to the King of the Mossi. Michael Lavoie, president of “Friends of Burkina Faso” along with his spouse representing the Association donated the award to the ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Shelter in Place Lifted
U.S. Embassy staff is no longer required to shelter in place, but must obey the nationwide curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. U.S. Embassy staff has been advised to avoid areas with concentrations of military and Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) including, but not limited to the Presidential Palace, the Place de la Nation, and ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Airport Reopens, Change of Curfew
On September 24, the Ouagadougou International Airport reopened to commercial flights. The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens travel to the airport only if they have a confirmed reservation. Land borders are also open. U.S. citizens should be mindful that, as the political situation evolves, closures or openings of borders and airports could change. The ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: New Location for September 25th Town Hall Meeting
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the town hall meeting with Ambassador Mushingi on Friday, September 25 at 11:00 am will now be held at the International School of Ouagadougou. Please bring your U.S. passport for entry and make every effort to arrive by 10:40 am. (Please note that non-U.S. citizen spouses and parents ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Shelter in Place Relaxed
The situation in Ouagadougou has returned to a relative calm because of ongoing dialogue and as a result of President Kafando’s announcement of the resumption of the transition government. Embassy staff is no longer required to shelter in place and is not required to use armored vehicles between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 ... Read More»
Burkina Faso Travel Warning
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Burkina Faso and recommends that U.S. citizens currently in Burkina Faso depart as soon as it is feasible to do so. This Travel Warning is being issued to notify U.S. citizens that on September 21, the Department of State authorized the voluntary ... Read More»
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Communications Infrastructure Destroyed – Amended
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that on September 20 RSP elements have destroyed equipment at Onatel, Ouagadougou’s main internet service provider, slowing internet services and eliminating Telmob’s cell phone signal. Onatel technicians are working on repairs to the network, and we have seen some signs of improved connectivity. The Embassy will communicate any future ... Read More»
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Communications Infrastructure Destroyed
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that on September 20 RSP elements have destroyed equipment at Onatel, Ouagadougou’s main internet service provider, slowing internet services and eliminating Telmob’s cell phone signal. Onatel technicians are working on repairs to the network, and we have seen some signs of improved connectivity. The Embassy will communicate any future ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Limited Commercial Fights Resume
Limited commercial flights have resumed at the Ouagadougou International Airport, and land borders are now open. The security environment remains very fluid, with confirmed reports of confrontations between demonstrators and security forces throughout Ouagadougou and other cities in Burkina Faso. Sporadic gunfire continues to be reported. A curfew between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am remains ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Airport Reopened
The Ouagadougou International Airport and land borders are now open. However, commercial flights have not yet been scheduled and it is unclear when airlines will resume operations. A curfew between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am remains in effect. The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the security environment remains dynamic. Embassy staff continues to shelter ... Read More»
Statement by the National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice on the Situation in Burkina Faso
The United States condemns, in the strongest terms, the unconstitutional seizure of power by elements of the Presidential Security Regiment in Burkina Faso. We call on the responsible parties to release immediately those being detained, order aligned forces to stand down, respect the rights of civilians to peacefully assemble, and put Burkina Faso back on ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Security Update
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the security environment remains fluid and sporadic gunfire continues. Demonstrations on September 17 occurred throughout Burkina Faso, including in the cities of Ouagadougou, Bobo Dioulasso, Ouahigouya, Gaoua, and Fada. A curfew between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am remains in effect. The Ouagadougou International Airport and land borders remain ... Read More»
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Curfew Established, Borders Closed
U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that a curfew between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am has been established and is effective immediately. The Ouagadougou International Airport is closed and all flights in and out of Ouagadougou have been canceled until further notice. Land borders are also reportedly closed. Embassy staff has been instructed to continue to ... Read More»
Recent Actions By Elements of the Presidential Guard in Burkina Faso
“The United States is deeply concerned about the unfolding events in Burkina Faso. We call for the immediate release of President Kafando, Prime Minister Zida, and all other officials being held. The United States strongly condemns any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means or resolve internal political disagreements using force. We call for an ... Read More»
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy Staff Instructed to Shelter In Place
On Wednesday, September 16 the U.S. Embassy received reports that military elements are holding the President, Prime Minister, and other Cabinet Members hostage. Civil society organizations are calling for demonstrators to gather at the Place de la Nation (also known as the Place de la Revolution) and at the Presidential Palace. Road blocks near the Presidential ... Read More»
Media’s Role in Fostering Voter Engagement and Civic Responsibility
As part of its elections outreach, the U.S. Embassy brought ARS Speaker Eduardo Cue for a five-day program in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso. Mr. Cue traveled to Bobo Dioulasso from September 13-15 to train 30 journalists in the economic capital of Burkina Faso. The second half of Mr Cue’s trip was canceled due to political ... Read More»
Travel Alert Burkina Faso
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the risks of travel to Burkina Faso during the October/November election season. This Travel Alert expires on November 30, 2015. Presidential and legislative elections are scheduled on October 11 with a possible second round of elections occurring in early November. U.S. citizens should maintain a high level ... Read More»
High School Garden in Nedogo by Volunteer Meghan Butt
One day, while talking with a science teacher at the local middle and high school in Nedogo, he noticed a small fenced-in garden I had attached to the back of my house and asked me about it. Peace Corps Volunteer explained that she was interested in having a source of vegetables throughout the year, especially ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: August 29th Embassy Telephone Line Outage
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the Embassy’s telephone lines will not be operational on Saturday, August 29, 2015 from approximately 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. For emergency situations during the outage please call (+226) 77-20-24-14 to speak to the duty officer. For further information: See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution , Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, ... Read More»
21 New Peace Corps Volunteers Sworn-in to Support Education in Burkina
On August 25, 21 new volunteers of the U.S. Peace Corps sworn-in in Ouagadougou after a three-month training in Leo where they learned French and local languages. They will serve in the education sector for two years. During a ceremony presided over by Ambassador Mushingi and Minister of National Education Samadou Coulibaly, three volunteers representing ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: CDP Civil Disobedience
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the political party Congrès pour la Démocratie et le Progrès (CDP) has called on its members to respond to the Constitutional Council’s finding of ineligibility of some of its legislative candidates with acts of civil disobedience. The U.S. Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to avoid areas where demonstrations are ... Read More»
Political Reporting in Challenging Time: A DVC with ARS Speaker M. Betz
In an effort to support women journalists in their coverage of the upcoming national elections, the Public Affairs Section at Embassy Ouagadougou organized a Digital Video Conference (DVC) with the Association of Women Journalists (APAC) on August 20, 2015. The journalists in attendance included women from the Burkinabe print, radio, television, electronic, and web-based media ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Visits Dierma for the Promoion of Hygiene and Sanitation Measures
Ambassador Mushingi visited the village of Dierma in the East Center Region as part of the American Road Show and to check progress made by the Community Health Club funded by an American Fulbright scholarship. This Fulbright funded project raised the region’s population awareness on elementary hygiene and health measures during six months in order ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Encourages Women Entrepreneurs to Take Advantage of AGOA
An eleven-person delegation from Burkina Faso is preparing to attend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum August 24-27, 2015 in Libreville, Gabon. AGOA, a United States trade act enhancing market access to the U.S. for qualifying Sub-Saharan African countries, was recently renewed by the U.S. Congress until 2025. It allows many products from ... Read More»
Urgent Need for Political Dialogue in Burundi
Press Statement John Kirby Department Spokesperson Washington, DC Today’s inauguration in Burundi demonstrates the ruling party’s intent to ignore the voices of its people in pursuit of its own political agenda. An inauguration – without a government that represents the population’s many political voices and without a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue – will not resolve ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Worldwide Caution
The Department of State is updating the Worldwide Caution to provide information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high ... Read More»
Orodara Girls Soccer Camp
We organized and facilitated a girls’ soccer camp in Orodara, the southwestern region of Burkina Faso, from July 26th to July 31st 2015. This camp was for young girls and women, aged 10 to 21 years old. The camp was held at Lycee Traore Niangolo, where a total of 36 girls and 10 Peace Corps ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Trains HandiAble Basketball Players in Koudougou
Coach and former NBA player Tommy Davis trained HandiAble basketball players on fundamental skills. During the month of July, the United States celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the American Disabilities Act, a law ensuring that millions of Americans with disabilities have the chance to make their contributions to the world. In this sports-exchange players and coaches ... Read More»
A Vision, a Garden, and a Bright Future in Sanaba
When I began to teach at my local public high school, I asked my students if they would be interested in having a school garden. At first they were hesitant and did not show much enthusiasm for the idea. I soon understood why when the school principal told me that they had attempted a school ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou Celebrates Independance Day
The US Embassy’s July 4 Reception set new cultural standards for diplomatic events in Ouagadougou, impressing our elite and high-powered audience with an artistic fusion of Burkinabe and American music, dance, testimony, and song. Over 500 GOBF officials and politicians, disability advocates and social activists, VIP post contacts, and the nation’s business elite gathered at ... Read More»
Ambassador Speech on Independence Day 2015
Madame Marie Kafando, Spouse of the President of Burkina Faso, President of the Transition, Excellency the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation , In Charge of Regional Cooperation, Head of the Governmental Delegation, Honorable Deputies of the National Transitional Council, Excellences Presidents of Institutions, Members of Government, Excellences Chief of Diplomatic and Consular ... Read More»
ARS Quartet Serves Up Musical Magic at Café Concert
ARS-Paris musicians Shola Adisa-Farrar, Josiah Woodson, Jerry Thompson and and Tilo Bertholo charmed, enchanted, and captivated a sophisticated Ouagalais audience Friday night, July 2, at the French Institute’s open air K-Café. Offering their listeners a dozen musical gems that softly blended jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, the Shola Quartet provided their audience a superb, too ... Read More»
ARS-Paris Musicians in Performance at the University of Ouagadougou
ARS-Paris recruited singer and songwriter Shola Adisa-Farrar blew away University of Ouagadougou students during a hot and hazy open air concert Saturday afternoon, June 27. Performing with two other ARS artists — guitarist Josiah Woodson and drummer Tilo Bertholo — Shola offered her listeners a short ‘Contemporary American Music’ 101 course, singing songs from such ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: Opt-in to Receive SMS Text Messaging
The U.S. Embassy is pleased to offer U.S. citizens resident in or vising Burkina Faso the option to receive notification of Emergency and Security Information via SMS text messaging. U.S. citizens who opt-in to receive text messages from a third-party provider should understand that even though the Embassy has taken precautions in selecting the third-party ... Read More»
English Club Looks at Social Inclusion Through Art
The monthly US Embassy English Club was held on June 18, 2015 in the American Library. English Program Specialist, Lynn Hanson Ouedraogo, led a group of 15 high school and university students in creating mosaics out of colored paper as metaphors for social inclusion. They learned that like all the small pieces of a mosaic ... Read More»
Statement By Secretary Kerry On Ramadan
On behalf of the U.S. Department of State, Teresa and I wish all Muslims a happy and blessed Ramadan. Ramadan is a season for heightened reflection, worship, compassion, and community. For Muslims everywhere, this special month provides spiritual nourishment and reinforces appreciation for the universal value — and values — of humanity. It is also ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Received A Green Award
In 2014, Embassy Ouagadougou reduced its energy use by 10 percent through replacing water filters with ones that require no energy, installing motion sensor lights, and tweaking maintenance and IT schedules. The Embassy worked with the community to start up recycling programs where none existed before. The Embassy recycles newspaper through a reuse project with ... Read More»
Students of the School “Les Laureats” have Visited the American Library
Kindergarten students and juniors Les Laureats School visited alternately the American Library on June 15 and 16. Accompanied by their teachers, the children performed a series of activities including a presentation of the library, puzzle tests, coloring exercises and attended the story hour where the Public Affairs Officer read the story of Pete the Cat. ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: Independence Day Picnic
Ambassador and Mrs. Mushingi would like to invite all Americans in Burkina Faso to their new home for an Independence Day Picnic – with swimming, a pie contest, and a movie! Sunday, July 5, 2015 4:30pm-9:00pm Hamburgers, hot dogs, and root beer floats for sale! Cash Bar Please bring a picnic blanket, side dish to ... Read More»
Major Tyler M. Cate Donated Books to the Pyratanee Militaire de Kadiogo
Major Tyler M. Cate donated books to the Pyratanee Militaire de Kadiogo. He participated in the end of year ceremony to acknowledge outstanding students and the strong efforts during the 2014-2015 academic year. Major Cate applauded the outstanding students who received prizes. The book donation will go to the library and was accepted during the ... Read More»
United States Calls for Peaceful Resolution to Crisis in Burundi
The United States strongly condemns the May 23 killing of the leader of the opposition party Union for Peace and Development (UPD), Zedi Feruzi, and his bodyguard. We also strongly condemn the May 22 grenade attack in a market that killed several people and wounded many more. These attacks only undermine ongoing efforts to achieve ... Read More»
Ouagadougou: Final Stop on the Intelligence Tour
May 12-13, 2015, the U. S. Embassy completed its country-wide Intelligence Tour with a two-day training for 20 English teachers, advisors, and inspectors of the Central Region in Ouagadougou. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou carried out a country-wide tour providing training to English ... Read More»
Mitigating Electoral Violence Through National Early Warning Systems
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso –Today in Ouagadougou, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), launched a five-year project: Mitigating Electoral Violence through National Early Warning Systems (NEWS). As part of the U.S. Government’s efforts to support the 2015 elections in Burkina Faso, NEWS will collect and ... Read More»
Internship Program (Ouagadougou)
The Embassy of the United States in Ouagadougou has launched an Internship Program designed for students in Burkina Faso. This program intends to benefit both the Embassy and students by providing students with valuable educational experience in foreign affairs and by assisting posts in accomplishing their goals. In the last cycle, interns contributed to Public ... Read More»
Intelligence Tour in Tenkodogo
May 7-8, 2015, the U. S. Embassy trained 33 English teachers of the Central Eastern Region in Tenkodogo. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou is carrying out a country-wide tour providing training to English teaching professionals in all 13 regions of Burkina Faso during ... Read More»
Intelligence Tour Goes to Fada N’Gourma
May 4-5, 2015, the U. S. Embassy trained 15 English teachers of the Eastern Region in Fada N’Gourma. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou is carrying out a country-wide tour providing training to English teaching professionals in all 13 regions of Burkina Faso during ... Read More»
The U.S. Embassy Participates in Jazz à Ouaga Festival
On the occasion of Jazz à Ouaga festival that took place from April 24 to May 2, 2015 in Ouagadougou, the Embassy of the United States has strongly marked his contribution with the participation of a JAZZ group “Le Chat Lunatique”. Coming straight from New Mexico, Le chat Lunatique performed many times in various places ... Read More»
Intelligence Tour Visits Ziniaré
April 29-30, 2015, the U. S. Embassy trained 29 English teachers, inspectors, and advisors of the Central Plateau Region in Ziniaré. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou is carrying out a country-wide tour providing training to English teaching professionals in all 13 regions of ... Read More»
“To” Sauce Competition Success Story
During the 2015 “Women’s Health and Leadership Conference” in Leo (April 27-30), women from around the country were invited to learn how to become agents of change for their communities. Since malnutrition is a common health issue in many villages, the women learned about proper nutrition and then were able to apply their new knowledge ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy and Institut Imagine Train Young Burkinabe Filmmakers and Producers
On the occasion of American Film Week, the U.S. Embassy partnered with Institut Imagine in Ouagadougou to organize a training workshop for filmmakers and producers. Jean Michel Dissard, Director and Producer of fiction and documentary from Brooklyn (U.S.A) and author of “I learn America” provided the training to 20 professionals who teamed up to build ... Read More»
Yali Mandela Washington Fellows Organize Ebola Workshop In Burkina Faso
Dr. Anselme Siméon Sanou (second from right), medical doctor, epidemiologist, and 2014 Mandela Washington Fellow 2014 from Burkina Faso organized the first scientific conference on Ebola discussing preparedness and response one year after. Dr. Sanou was joined by fellow 2014 YALI’s, Zainab Conteh (second from left) from Sierra Leone and Sedekie Kamara (first from left) ... Read More»
Protective Fencing for Village Pre-school By Volunteer Geraldine Auel
It all started with the fence in 2014. The preschool staff insisted on the need for an enclosure to protect the children. Two children had already been injured by speeding motorcycles since the preschool was moved to its new location in the middle of a large bare area in the center of the village. When ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: April 25th Demonstration in Support of the Transitional Government
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that a demonstration will take place in Ouagadougou on April 25, 2015, in support of the transitional government and the revision of the electoral code. Several political parties and civil society organizations have joined the call for a demonstration. A similar demonstration is expected to take place in Bobo-Dioulasso. ... Read More»
Community Garden, Somyaga Primary School A
During my “etude du milieu” I introduced myself to the director of Somyaga Primary School A. We were discussing the needs of the school when I noticed pictures of students watering plants on his wall. I asked if they had a school garden. He replied that they used to a few years ago but someone ... Read More»
Intelligence Tour Continues to Manga
April 16-17, 2015, the U. S. Embassy trained 20 English teachers and advisors of the South Central Region in Manga. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou is carrying out a country-wide tour providing training to English teaching professionals in all 13 regions of Burkina ... Read More»
Ambassador Marks Cultural Preservation Grant
Ambassador traveled to the ancient walled village of Tiébélé April 14 to meet local authorities and mark the successful conclusion of the Embassy’s Cultural Preservation grant to this proposed World Heritage Site. . He then traveled to Pô where he participated in a lively seminar conducted by the Mission Public Diplomacy Office for regional English teachers ... Read More»
U.S. Ambassador Visits Intelligence Tour
April 13-14, 2015, the U. S. Embassy trained 19 English teachers, advisors, and inspectors of the South Central Region in Pô. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou is carrying out a country-wide tour providing training to English teaching professionals in all 13 regions of ... Read More»
United States Express Concern with Burkina Faso Electoral Code Changes
The United States notes with concern the National Transitional Council’s passage on April 7 of certain changes to Burkina Faso’s electoral code excluding from candidacy in the upcoming elections any individual who voiced support for a constitutional revision that would have amended presidential term limits in late 2014. The changes to the code would seem ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Kidnapping of a Western Expatriate
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that on April 4, 2015, a Romanian national was kidnapped and two Burkinabe wounded in an attack by an unidentified armed group at the Tambao manganese mining site, in Northern Burkina Faso near the Mali and Niger borders. The U.S. Embassy has restrictions on official government travel to Dori, ... Read More»
Message for U.S. Citizens: Avian Influenza (H5N1) Detected in Burkina Faso
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that on Wednesday April 1, the Government of Burkina Faso announced that Avian Influenza (H5N1) had been detected in country in a press conference led by the Ministry of Livestock. As of April 2, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that cases had only ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: April 8th Demonstrations
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the “Coalition Against the High Cost of Living,” in French Coalition Contre la Vie Chère, or CCVC, has organized a nationwide protest/strike throughout many cities in Burkina Faso for April 8, 2015. CCVC proposes this national day of protest to express grievances related to the high cost of ... Read More»
Swearing in of New Peace Corps Volunteers
On Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 9:30 am, 42 new Peace Corps Volunteers were sworn-in at the US Embassy in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. They are ready to serve Burkina Faso communities for the next two years. 19 of the new Volunteers are part of the Community Health program, increasing the total number of Community Health ... Read More»
ACOTA Graduation Ceremony
On March 12, 2015, Deputy Chief of Mission Steven Koutsis attended the ACOTA (African Contingency Operations and Training Assistance) graduation ceremony in Loumbila, located at 25Km from Ouagadougou. This ceremony marks the end of 10 weeks training received from U.S. instructors. The Laafi 7 battalion will be deployed in Darfour in the following weeks, to ... Read More»
Ambassador’s Remarks Inauguration Universite Aube Nouvelle/ American Language Center Bobo Dioulasso
It is a pleasure for me to be here today and see so many students! First, I would like to thank Mr. Isidore Kini for the invitation to today’s inauguration. The United States Embassy in Burkina Faso has a strong partnership with the University Aube Nouvelle who hosts the American Language Center. A year-and-a half ... Read More»
The Embassy of the United States Commemorates the 158th International Women’s Day
On March 6, 2015 Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi celebrated the International Women’s Day through a joyful family picture session with the embassy staff. The aim was to strengthen relationships between counterparts and colleagues. Women of the embassy celebrated their role as women and as professionals. Read More»
U.S Embassy Sponsors FESPACO and Honors Filmmakers with a Connection with the U.S.
On March 5, 2015 the U.S Embassy hosted a reception to honor filmmakers having a connection with the United States and present to the 2015 Pan African Films’ Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO). This 24th edition of the FESPACO was partially funded by the U.S. Embassy who took advantage to honor through a reception, filmmakers having a connection ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Celebrates World Wildlife Day at Park W
Ambassador Mushingi travelled to Park W in the eastern region of Burkina Faso to celebrate World Wildlife Day. The purpose of the trip is to tour the W Park and meet with Burkinabe officials who are leading the fight to preserve precious animal species like the lion, elephant, pangolin and others, so that together “we can ... Read More»
Intelligence Tour Continues to Koudougou
February 26-27, 2015, the U. S. Embassy trained 48 English teachers, advisors, and inspectors of the Central West Region in Koudougou. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou is carrying out a country-wide tour providing training to English teaching professionals in all 13 regions of ... Read More»
Intelligence Tour goes to Dédougou
February 23-24, 2015, the U. S. Embassy trained 27 English teachers, advisors, and inspectors of the Boucle du Mouhoun Region in Dédougou. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou is carrying out a country-wide tour providing training to English teaching professionals in all 13 regions ... Read More»
U.S. Ambassador T. Mushingi Receives an Award of Recognition from the MAVO
On February 21, 2015, Ambassador Mushingi received an award from MAVO (the Ouagadougou City Associations Movement) in recognition of his commitment to the development of Burkina Faso through the Millennium Challenge Account and the Road Show program where he visited all of the regions of Burkina Faso. MAVO is a group of more than 300 associations ... Read More»
Martin Luther King Jr. Talent Show
To commemorate African American History Month, The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou organized on February 18, 2015 the Martin Luther King Talent Show. Six groups of students coming from different schools and universities of Ouagadougou and Ziniaré performed through sketches depicting Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King Jr. fights for freedom. About 180 persons attended the show. ... Read More»
The United States Equips the Gondaal 1 Battalion and the 31st Peacekeeping Squadron
On February 17, 2015, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi presided over a material gifting ceremony at Camp Lamizana, in Ouagadougou. This ceremony marks the result of 18 months of collaboration between Burkina Faso Armed Forces and the Embassy of the United States. This equipment including thirty-one armored troop transport vehicles PUMA M36 type, restoration kits, Individual defense ... Read More»
English Teaching Conference: Spreading the Love of English
On February 14, 2015 local English teachers were celebrating Valentine’s Day by spreading the love of English. The U. S. Embassies in Ouagadougou and Dakar, in collaboration with the BETA/Burkina English Teachers Association, brought together over 80 local English teachers at the American Language Center/Université Aube Nouvelle in Ouagadougou for a day-long workshop. Among the ... Read More»
Ouagadougou Welcomes U. S. English Fellows for the African Continent
U.S. Ambassador Dr. Tulinabo Mushingi personally thanked 16 English Language Fellows coming from all over the African continent who were in Ouagadougou February 10-14, 2015 for their Mid-Year Conference. Ambassador Mushingi pointed out how important it was for Burkinabe to see, during their transition government, that the U.S. Government had the confidence to continue education ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Opens Entrepreneurship Workshop in Ouagadougou
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi spoke of the importance of supporting entrepreneurs at a February 10th event co-organized by the Embassy, the Maison de l’Entreprise and the Embassy of Morocco to Burkina Faso. “Small-business owners and their forward-thinking ideas are the engine of a dynamic economy,” he said. Many of Burkina Faso’s best and brightest are starting their own businesses, ... Read More»
Intelligence Tour goes to Kaya
January 29-30, 2015, the U. S. Embassy trained 48 English teachers, advisors, and inspectors of the Central North and Sahel Regions in Kaya. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou is carrying out a country-wide tour providing training to English teaching professionals in all 13 ... Read More»
Intelligence Tour goes to Ouahigouya
January 26-27, 2015, the U. S. Embassy trained 39 English teachers, advisors, and inspectors of the Northern Region in Ouahigouya. In support of its goals for economic growth and development through education, the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou is carrying out a country-wide tour providing training to English teaching professionals in all 13 regions of Burkina ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Civil Society Rallies
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that civil society groups plan to hold rallies throughout Burkina Faso to express grievances related to the Presidential Security Regiment. The rally in Ouagadougou is expected to take place on Saturday, February 7, at 08:00am, at the Place de la Nation, also known as the Place de la Revolution. ... Read More»
U.S Embassy Participates to the Second Edition of the In-Out Dance Festival in Bobo Dioulasso
On February 5, 2015, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi and his delegation attended the opening ceremony of the In-Out Dance Festival. This Festival, created by Aguibou Bougobali Sanou who is a dance professional and the president of Tamadia Company, is a major cultural event held every year in Bobo-Dioulasso and brings together professionals of the dance sector ... Read More»
The United States Equips the 25th Parachutist Commando Regiment
On February 4-6, 2015, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi travelled to Bobo Dioulasso to preside over a military equipment handover ceremony. He donated military equipment including trucks and ambulances worth $1,75 million to the Counter Terrorism Company of the 25th Parachutist Commando Regiment meant to support Burkina Faso’s Counterterrorism Strategy, « Mission de Sécurisation du Nord » ... Read More»
Doing Business With the USA
Communicating across cultures has its challenges, and this is especially true in the business world. Burkinabe business owners and professionals received training in navigating cultural cues when doing business with American companies at a January 30 event hosted by the embassy. The featured speaker was Desi Lopez Fafie, who besides being a former vice-president of ... Read More»
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Remain Vigilant
The intent of this message is to remind U.S. citizens of ongoing threats of kidnapping-for-ransom posed by terrorist groups in the Sahel region. We note the French government recently released a message that the threat of kidnapping remains a reality for Niger and Burkina Faso. U.S. citizens in Burkina Faso should therefore exercise caution, maintain ... Read More»
Aube Nouvelle University (ISIG) Visits the American Library
Over fifty students including 76% of female and their teacher Djiguimdé/Barry Fatoumata from the Communication department of Aube Nouvelle University in Ouagadougou (ISIG) stepped away from their classes on January 14, 2015 to visit the American Library and take part in a screening and debate program on Martin Luther King’s Day organized by the US ... Read More»
Worldwide Caution – January 12, 2015
The Department of State is updating the Worldwide Caution to provide information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high ... Read More»
Bobo Girls Soccer Camp
For the West African countries as Burkina Faso, football remains a sport dominated almost exclusively by men and boys. In the villages, rarely, if ever, are girls and women given the opportunity to play “the beautiful game”. Many Volunteers address this by forming girls’ soccer teams in their villages. Three volunteers, Hallie Eilerts, Todd Burns, ... Read More»
The U.S. Embassy Launched the Young African Mentoring Program
On December 19, 2014 U.S Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi presided over the launching ceremony of the Young African Mentoring Program. This program launching ceremony was for the benefit of young pupils present. The Young African Mentoring Program is a framework for valuable exchange of experience. Mentors are products of the Washington Mandela Fellowship Program or the YALI, ... Read More»
Peace Corps Volunteer M. Meyer Empowers Community on Food Security
Food Security Reinforcement By Mariko Meyer Eric, our local trainer, approached me in late 2013 with a project idea to improve food security in 3 nearby villages. He independently reached out to village leaders and identified the community members who were most motivated to participate in training sessions. We then worked together in 2014 to ... Read More»
U.S. Secretary of State Statement on Burkina Faso National Day
On behalf of the American people and President Obama, I congratulate the people of Burkina Faso on the 54th anniversary of your independence. The United States is dedicated to supporting Burkina Faso’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, expand economic opportunities, and maintain regional security. We welcome the establishment of the civilian-led transitional government. It is ... Read More»
The U.S. Embassy Granted $90,000 to 16 Local Associations
On December 9, 2014 the US embassy organized the Ambassador’s Self-Help Program grant signing ceremony for the benefit of associations and groups from several regions of Burkina Faso. The Self-Help program is a grass-roots assistance program that allows U.S. ambassadors to respond quickly to local requests for small community-based development projects. Sixteen projects were selected ... Read More»
Virtual Ebola Reporting Workshop
On December 3, 2014, the US Embassy hosted a virtual Ebola Reporting workshop intending to train and improve journalists reporting skills. 25 reporters from 18 media outlets (Radio, television, print and online media) attended the training. The workshop began with a video featuring remark from representatives of the Department of State, the Centers for Disease ... Read More»
Annual Fulbright Competition
The Embasssy of the United States of America Announces the Annual Competition for the Fulbright & Humphrey Exchange Programs from December 1, 2014 to January 30, 2015 Types of Programs: Fulbright Junior Staff Development Program (JSDP) For scholars and professionals who would like to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD in the U.S. (1-2 year ... Read More»
Media Training with Reporter du Faso
Humphrey Alumnus and President of Reporters du Faso Louis Oulon used a Public Diplomacy grant to conduct two day training on Media and Democracy, with a special focus on using new media. This is part of our ICS goal on building democratic institutions, which includes professionalizing the media. Guest speakers were from various media houses ... Read More»
Alumni Connexion
On November 25, 2014 the U.S. Embassy organized a “soiree d’amitie” to welcome the 2014 YALI cohort, but also to connect all the exchange alumni namely Fulbright, YALI, IVLP, Humphrey in a fun event. The Public Diplomacy (PD) section reached out to working partners whose employees are often sent on the exchange programs for a ... Read More»
Burkina Faso Transition Government
The United States congratulates the people of Burkina Faso and their leaders on the signing of a charter that will guide the transition to a democratically elected government. We congratulate Michel Kafando on being sworn in as interim president of Burkina Faso. We encourage Mr. Kafando to build on the momentum of the past two ... Read More»
Embassy Library English Club Focuses on Opposites
On November 13, 2014, the U. S. Embassy welcomed a group of 12 university students and young professionals to its American Library for the November English Club. English Program Specialist Lynn Hanson Ouédraogo led the group through a variety of activities on contrasting and opposites in English. The audience reviewed synonyms and antonyms and learned ... Read More»
Support for Civil Society’s Charter for Transitional Government in Burkina Faso
The United States welcomes the November 9 announcement of a Charter for Transitional Government in Burkina Faso developed by political parties, civil society, and religious and traditional leaders. We urge continued progress in the discussions between these groups and the military so that this crisis may come to a quick end and the process of ... Read More»
U.S. Calls on Military to Transfer Power to Civilian Authorities
Statement by Jen Psaki, Spokesperson Novermber 1, 2014 The United States condemns the Burkinabe military’s attempt to impose its will on the people of Burkina Faso. We call on the military to immediately transfer power to civilian authorities. We urge civilian leadership to be guided by the spirit of the constitution of Burkina Faso and ... Read More»
Transfer of Power in Burkina Faso
Statement by Jen Psaki, Spokesperson October 31, 2014 Transfer of Power in Burkina Faso The United States is concerned about the unfolding events in Burkina Faso. We regret the violence and the loss of life in Burkina Faso and call on all parties to avoid further violence. We reiterate our call for all parties to ... Read More»
Proposed Changes to Burkina Faso Term Limits
The United States is concerned by the spirit and intent behind a draft National Assembly bill in Burkina Faso to amend the constitution to allow the term-limited incumbent president to run for an additional five-year term. As the Burkinabe National Assembly prepares to consider the proposed constitutional changes, the United States emphasizes that constitutionally mandated ... Read More»
Women Entrepreneurs Workshop in Banfora
Seventy (70) women entrepreneurs from Banfora, Bobo-Dioulasso, Sindou, Toussiana, Noumoudara, Nouna, and Gaoua attended a workshop in Banfora on October 23, 2014. This training was sponsored by the U. S. Embassy to Burkina Faso and focused on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and how to export to the United States. Minata Kone and ... Read More»
Here We Go for the 2015 YALI!!!
Apply to the Washington Mandela Fellowship program for young African leaders 2015, and as these young Burkinabe get a chance to be selected to travel to Washington for six weeks and meet with President Obama in 2015. Click this link and register yourself!!!! http://goo.gl/POq1Tx Read More»
U. S. Embassy English Club on Volunteering
The U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou welcomed a group of 28 university students and young professionals to its Information Resource Center (IRC) for the October English Club. This month’s discussion and activities were led by English Program Specialist Lynn Hanson Ouédraogo and focused on volunteering and the benefits of volunteering. The audience discussed their own experiences ... Read More»
Panel on Community Service and Volunteerism
On October 9, 2014, the American Library organized a conference on community service and volunteerism presented by a panel of American officers from the U.S. Embassy. The panelists talked about their own experience as volunteers; they explained how community service is valuable to Americans and how it impacts positively the country at the social and ... Read More»
2016 Diversity Visa Program Registration
The 2016 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2016) will open at noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Wednesday, October 1, 2014, and will close at noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST), Monday, November 3, 2014. Applicants must submit entries electronically during this registration period using the electronic DV entry form (E-DV) at dvlottery.state.gov . Paper entries will not be ... Read More»
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi Offers a Reception in Honor of the Regional Governors and Mayors of Burkina Faso
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi received on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, the governors and mayors from the thirteen regions of Burkina he visited. It was the opportunity to thank in person and through a reception for the way he has been welcomed in these localities. During his speech the Ambassador thanked his guests for their mobilization during ... Read More»
150 Complete English Access Program
On September 25, 2014, one hundred and fifty English Access Microscholarship Program students celebrated the completion of their courses in a ceremony in Ouagadougou. These students completed 378 hours of English courses and enhancement activities during a two-year program. The following schools hosted the 2012-2014 Access Program: Lycée Marien N’Gouabi, Lycée Privé Bayane, Lycée Nelson ... Read More»
Strategies for Involving Religious and Traditional Leaders for Family Planning in Faso
On September 23, 2014, the USAID’s Heath Policy Project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the religious and traditional leaders’ network in Burkina Faso, conducted a workshop to provide support to the development and validation of advocacy tools for the promotion of family planning in the country using religious and traditional leaders. The ... Read More»
Ambassador David Lane Discovering American Achievements in Burkina Faso
Journalists from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Niger joined Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture based in Rome, David Lane on a five day reporting tour to explore the challenges and successes in agricultural development in Burkina Faso. The group has seen a variety of projects sponsored by the ... Read More»
Ambassador Lane and Regional Journalists View Agricultural Development in Burkina Faso
On September 20, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies in Rome David Lane completed a five-day trip in Burkina Faso where he met with farmers, government officials and representatives of non-governmental programs working to improve food security. During the visit, he viewed sites supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. ... Read More»
Claude Grunitzky Trains YALI Fellows on Entrepreneurship
IIP YALI speaker series sent Claude Grunitzky, an adept business leader who successfully started a company at the age of 23 and grew up in West Africa to lead a week long program “entrepreneurship week” in Ouagadougou. From Monday to Wednesday Speaker Grunitzky led a workshop for 3 YALI Mandela Fellows; 18 YALI-network members; and ... Read More»
E-Teacher Scholar Luncheon Honors Eight
On September 4, 2014 Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi, PAO Brenda Soya, and English Program Specialist Lynn Ouedraogo hosted a luncheon in Ouagadougou to honor eight Burkinabe English language teachers who completed 10-week on-line courses during the year with the University of Oregon through the State Department E-Teacher Scholarship Program. Ambassador Mushingi presented each scholar with a ... Read More»
American Model of Leadership
Members of JCI (Jeune Chambre International) met with Ambassador Mushingi at the U.S embassy in Ouagadougou to discuss the American model of leadership. These young people discussed with Ambassador Mushingi and his team on the ways and steps to become a good leader in the society; they also participated into team work activities focused on ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Visits Burkina Faso National Television
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi visited Burkina Faso national television (RTB Tele) and discussed with the leaders of the institution. This visit aimed to discover the facilities and thank the leaders for their support in covering all the activities of the embassy, especially during the Ambassador’s tours in the 13 regions of Burkina . Ambassador Mushingi also ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Gave an Interview to an Online Journal
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi gave an interview to the online newspaper Lefaso.net. This interview covered the U.S.-Africa Summit held from August 4th to 6th. The Summit brought together 50 African heads of states and their delegations, including President Compaore from Burkina Faso. Read More»
Peace Corps Volunteers Take Oath in Burkina Faso
Tuesday, August 19, 2014, 30 new Peace Corps Volunteers were sworn-in at the Embassy of the United States of America in Ouagadougou. These 30 Volunteers come from different parts of the United States of America and will be working in the education field in 11 regions of Burkina Faso. These volunteers will be serving side-by-side ... Read More»
“HIV/AIDS Awareness and Reduction of StigmaTraining of Trainers” from Volunteer Hagop Kaprielian
“HIV/AIDS Awareness and Reduction of Stigma: Training of Trainers” was held from May 12 to May 15, 2014. The objectives of the project were twofold: increased understanding of the science of HIV including myth vs reality and increased awareness of stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and developing ways to reduce it. The participants were chosen based ... Read More»
The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit is an historic opportunity to strengthen ties with our African partners and highlight America’s longstanding commitment to investing in Africa’s development and its people. During the U.S.-Africa Business Forum on August 5, the President announced $33 billion in new components by the U.S. government and partners, representing a major and long ... Read More»
Statement by the Chair of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
I. Background President Obama welcomed leaders from across the African continent to Washington, D.C., for a three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the first of its kind. The largest event any U.S. President has held with African heads of state and government, the Summit strengthened ties between the United States and one of the world’s most dynamic ... Read More»
USAID WA-WASH Program Organizes a Symposium on Environmental Security in West Africa
Ouagadougou- USAID WA-WASH Program and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) will organize a symposium on environmental security in West Africa. The Symposium aims to increase awareness of and facilitate the sharing of experiences concerning various environmental security challenges in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Niger. Symposium speakers will cover a range of topics related to national and ... Read More»
Pigpens Reduce Swine Fever Infections by 76% By Peace Corps Volunteer Jamie Farrell
Three years ago, the African swine fever virus was introduced to the Commune of Kyon. The highly contagious disease decimated the pig population in the community, and has continued to kill free-ranging pigs in unpredictable outbreaks. The virus has placed a huge financial burden on women who traditionally raise pigs for weddings and funerals and ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Condolences to Burkina Faso
I would like to express, on behalf of the U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, the U.S. Government and the American people, our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the crash of Air Algérie Flight 5017 on July 24. We join the people of Burkina Faso and all other ... Read More»
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi Attends Iftar Diner at CERFI
July 18, 2014: U.S. Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi participated in an open-to-the-public Iftar ceremony organized by Public Diplomacy in partnership with CERFI (Islamic Research and Studies Circle). This program coincided with the international Nelson Mandela Service Day and an embassy team led by PD took the opportunity to clean the CERFI mosque in the morning and ... Read More»
Tikaré’s First Preschool – by Volunteer Kelly Cummings
Parents in the community knew that preschools existed in other villages nearby and felt as though their children were missing out on an opportunity to be better prepared for primary school. I proposed to school authorities opening a formal preschool and received an enthusiastically supportive response. The primary goals of the project were to demonstrate ... Read More»
U. S. Embassy, American Language Center visit English Access class in Koudougou
On July 10, 2014 the U. S. Embassy’s English Program Specialist joined administrators and teachers from the American Language Center (ALC) to visit the Access Program class ALC has been teaching at the Lycée Provincial in Koudougou. This class of 25 students just completed a special two-year program of English courses and educational activities funded ... Read More»
U. S. Embassy Workshop for English Access Program
July 10-12, 2014, the U. S. Embassy organized a workshop in Koudougou for 15 American Language Center (ALC) administrators and English teachers involved in the English Access Microscholarship Program. Access is a special two-year program funded by the U. S. government which provides select secondary school students supplementary English courses and educational activities. The ALC ... Read More»
Early Childhood Education Center with Volunteer Kathy Gehron
When Catholic Relief Services brought up the idea of a community-based preschool, it was the first time anyone in my village had ever heard of such a thing. After years of their children struggling in elementary school and not a lot of free time for their mothers, they knew that they needed to do something ... Read More»
Great Success with Geography Club by Volunteer Max Miller
In 2014, Geography Club has been a huge success for Max. Taking place on Thursdays and Saturdays and engaging 20 CM1 (5th grade) girls and boys, Geography Club focuses on practicing using maps, learning world geography, and becoming familiar with Burkina Faso. The club has four maps of Burkina Faso, and students are learning all about ... Read More»
The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou Celebrates Independence Day
On the occasion of the celebration of the 238th anniversary of the United States Independence on July 4th, Ambassador Mushingi hosted a reception in the NEC. Prime Minister Tiao, First Lady Chantal Compaore and members of the Government, political parties as well as Embassy contacts and friends attended the ceremony. The ceremony started with the presentation ... Read More»
Ambassador’s Speech on Independence Day
Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen My fellow Americans Mrs. Chantal Compaoré, Spouse of His Excellency the President of Faso; His Excellency the Prime Minister, Head of Government and of the Government Delegation; Excellencies Heads of Institutions; Honorable Members of the Cabinet; Excellencies Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions; Honorable Representatives of International and Inter-African Organizations; ... Read More»
Art Envoy “Barefoot Blue Grass Movement in Burkina Faso”
The Public Diplomacy Section through ECA Arts Envoy Program brought a Blue Grass Barefoot Movement to empower our mutual understanding program by taking part to our American Film week project and to highlight the significance of Blue Grass music in American Culture. During their stay, the Barefoot movement performed in various places including the Delwinde ... Read More»
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi Gave a Press Conference
U.S. Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi gave a press conference to summarize his experiences on the American Road Show he started shortly after his arrival in Burkina Faso on September 2013. The road show covered the 13 regions of Burkina Faso and to highlight it, a video was shown to reporters as well as a map covering ... Read More»
Kickoff of the Second Edition of the American Film Week
The Public Diplomacy Section co-hosted the “American Film Week” with the Institut Francais from June 26-30, 2014 which feature a total of 9 American movie titles in English with French subtitles. This outreach program reached roughly 1,000 Burkinabe. The PD Section and the French Institute organized the same activity last year, and in light of ... Read More»
English Language Fellow Trains Over 250 Teacher Trainees in Koudougou
On June 29, 2014, English Language Fellow Joseph Haba held a one-day workshop for 250 English and French teacher trainees at the University of Koudougou teacher training college (ENS). English teacher members of Burkina English Teacher Association (BETA) from Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso also joined in. Mr. Haba has been teaching at the University of Koudougou ... Read More»
American Language Center Celebrates Its First Anniversary
Ambassador T. Mushingi presided over the ceremony marking the first anniversary of the American Language Center transferred last year at the University Aube Nouvelle in Ouagadougou, through a partnership agreement between the United States Embassy and the University Aube Nouvelle. The American Language Center was opened in 1985 in Ouagadougou with only 151 students and ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Encourages Six Young Burkinabe Leaders Leaving for the YALI Fellow Conference in Washington
On June 12, 2014, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi met with six young Burkinabé selected to participate in the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Washington Fellow program in Washington. Issouf Ilboudo, Sanon Anselme, Sylvie Tougma, Herman Naré Abdalla Dao et Francine Boro will spend six weeks at eleven different universities across the United States. An academic, professional, ... Read More»
Country Ownership at Work in Burkina Faso
MCC’s five-year, $480.9 million compact with Burkina Faso will close at the end of July. Last week, I joined MCC’s Cassandra Butts and Alicia Phillips Mandaville along with senior officials of the Government of Burkina Faso at ceremonies to inaugurate an 89-mile road and a 5,535-acre irrigated perimeter—two important projects funded by MCC’s five-year, $480.9 ... Read More»
Burkina Faso’s Family Farmers Shift from Local Growers to Regional Exporters
For Bouraima Bouro and his family, hunger seasons will soon be a distant memory. For Césaire Tiama, the bigger house he has long promised his family will soon be on the way and for Fatimata Dossama, business is getting better, and the future is looking brighter. New irrigation, farmer training, land registration, new roads, and ... Read More»
Beyond Word, Excel, and Power Point: Computer Maintenance and IT Teacher Training in by Volunteer Ethan Heppner
Being technologically savvy is becoming an extremely important trait for Burkinabe youth hoping to succeed in the workforce, travel abroad, or advance in higher education. You can see their popularity in the exploding number of computer stores in Ouagadougou. Anyone that can use one enjoys big advantages in almost any endeavor, and those that can ... Read More»
Study Club for School Year 2014
When night falls and cooking is done, there is no source of electricity to study. School bags are left unopened till the following morning and thus poor grades are repeated each year. There is little or no progression at the Primary school in Roumtenga and the children keep failing or repeating the same class at ... Read More»
Inauguration of the Dî Irriguated Perimeter
Cassandra Butts, Senior Advisor to MCC CEO, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi and President Compaore inaugurated the irrigated perimeter of Dî in Burkina Faso. These 2,240 hectares will help 4,400 beneficiaries of which 50% are women to increase value of agriculture production. Butts said “the purpose of American investment in diversified agriculture activities and the Di irrigated ... Read More»
American Road Show Visited the South Centre Region
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi visited the Centre Sud region on the 13th Road Show and met with the Governor and local officials in Manga and hosted a brunch with two Peace Corps volunteers serving in the region. The Road show continued to Pô, where Ambassador met with a women’s group funded by the African Development Fund ... Read More»
English Access Microscholarship Program Graduation Ceremony
On May 15, 2014, one hundred and eleven English Access Microscholarship Program students were honored in a graduation ceremony at Azalaï Hôtel Independance in Ouagadougou. These students participated in a two-year program funded by the United States government in which they received 378 hours of supplementary English courses and educational activities. The students came from ... Read More»
English Fellow Joseph Haba Featured Presenter at BETA Meeting
The U. S. Embassy’s English Language Fellow Mr. Joseph Haba was featured as a guest speaker at the monthly meetings of BETA (Burkina English Teachers Association). The meeting was held at Lycée Privé Barack Obama in Ouagadougou on May 8, 2014. Mr. Haba, who has been teaching at the University of Koudougou this academic year, ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi visits the North Region
May 7-8, 2014: U.S Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi visited the North Region of Burkina Faso in the context of “The American Road Show” and met with the region’s officials in Ouahigouya, including Governor K. Barra of the Region and the Mayor of Ouahigouya. During his stay, he visited the USAID funded project PDEV (Peace through Development) ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Supports Jazz a Ouaga
The Public Diplomacy Section through ECA Arts Envoy Program brought a jazz group to participate in the well know annual jazz festival, Jazz A Ouaga. The goal of this concert was to create an opportunity for cultural exchange via music and engage young musicians at the same time. The Jazz a Ouaga Festival is in ... Read More»
U.S. Ambassador Discovers the South West Region of Burkina Faso
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi travelled to Gaoua with a delegation as part of the American Road show on April 16-17, 2014. After a meeting with Governor Ouoba of the South West region, he made a book donation to Lycee Bafudji, the oldest and biggest high school of the region. Ambassador Mushingi attended BETA, the Burkinabe English ... Read More»
Ambassador’s Remark for BETA Launch in Gaoua
I am pleased to be here in Gaoua to attend the regional BETA launch and to help open the workshop. The Burkina English Teachers’ Association (BETA) was formed in October 2009 by a core group of English teachers and our very own Lynn Hanson Ouedraogo, who is right here. In 2012 BETA obtained official recognition ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou Celebrates International Women’s Day
The U.S. Embassy Front Office in Ouagadougou organized a very successful luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 6 in the Embassy atrium. Their aim was to strengthen their relationship with their counterparts, the other Assistants of Chiefs of Missions represented in Ouagadougou. That day, they celebrated their role as women and as ... Read More»
2014 Youth Leadership and Active Citizenship Conference
The Youth Development Committee hosted its 4th annual “Youth Leadership and Active Citizenship Conference” on March 23rd- 26th in Garango, Burkina Faso. Organized by Natalie Moore and Emily Hilton, the four-day event promoted positive leadership, active community participation, and volunteerism. Eighteen Peace Corps Volunteers, 10 host country nationals, and 35 youth, between the ages of ... Read More»
U.S. Ambassador Visits the “Plateau Central” Region of Burkina Faso
Ambassador Mushingi visited the “Plateau Central Region,” which is his 8th stop on the American Road Show. He first met Governor Blaise Corneille Ouedraogo and then traveled to Loango where he toured the granite sculpture site and marked a final stop to the Opera Village. The Opera Village teaches art and music to children of ten ... Read More»
Girls’ Soccer Competition at Kossouka
On January 2014, I visited Koussouka Inspection officials and proposed a soccer tournament for 6th grade girls, with the championship to be on March 8th, in honor of International Women’s Day. I explained I had an old girls soccer trophy from when I was younger which I could donate to the town for the event if ... Read More»
Kaya English Teachers Receive Training, Launch Regional BETA Chapter
February 21-22, 2014, the U. S. Embassy partnered with the Burkina English Teachers Association (BETA) to organize a 2-day professional development workshop for 46 teachers of the North Central region of Burkina Faso. U. S. Embassy English Program Specialist Lynn Hanson Ouédraogo and Fulbright Exchange Alumnus Dramane Gnessi trained teachers in Kaya on current English ... Read More»
Ambassador Road Show in the Centre North Region
February 13-14, 2014. As part of the ongoing “Ambassador’s Road Show, Ambassador Mushingi travelled to Kaya, Tampelga and Dakiri in the Central North and the East Region of Burkina Faso to visit USAID Food for Peace funded activities. After calling on the Governor of the Center-North Region, Ambassador Mushingi continued to Tampelga and visited a ... Read More»
Ambassador Tulinabo visits the Kaya Military Base
Friday, February 14, 2014. Taking advantage of his tour in the North Central Region, Ambassador Mushingi called on the Region Gendarmerie zone Commander in the Kaya Military base where U.S. training for the frontier brigades is conducted. Read More»
American Library English Club for February
On February 20, 2014 the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou welcomed a group of about 20 high school and university students into its American Library for the monthly English Club. This month’s discussion and activities were led by English Program Specialist Lynn Hanson Ouédraogo and were focused on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Participates to the In-Out Dance Festival in Bobo Dioulasso
U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou in partnership with ARS Paris sent two American dancers (Nicola Ayoub and Asha Thomas) to participate in the first annual “In-Out Dance Festival” in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso February 3 – 9, 2014. Through the power of dance, Nicola and Asha reinforced cultural bonds that exist between the American people and the people ... Read More»
Training Mothers in Nutritional Rehabilitation in Ouarkoye Village
Five mothers from Ouarkoye Village were trained in hands-on child nutritional rehabilitation activities and best practices. Ouarkoye, located in Burkina Faso, has a population of approximately 10,000 people and is comprised of diverse ethnic groups. The five participants were trained according to the Hearth/ FARN model, emphasizing positive local practices to improve child nutrition using ... Read More»
Youth Outreach Star
Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) Amanda Moulton has been named the Youth Outreach Star for February 2014 by the Peace Corps Youth Development Committee (YDC). Amanda is shining brightly in her community. While Amanda’s primary assignment is as a Math Teacher, she has also begun to reach out to the youth outside of the classroom in ... Read More»
USAID-Funded Project AGIR-PF Launched
First Lady Chantal Compaore presided over the official launching ceremony of USAID funded project “Act for Family Planning – AGIRPF” in Ouagadougou, along with Minister of Health Léné Sebgo and Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi. This regional project which covers Burkina Faso, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Mauritania and Niger worth $29 million intends to support and assist the ... Read More»
The USA Donates Peacekeeping Equipment to the Armed Forces
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi, through the Africa Contingency Training and Assistance (ACOTA) program, donated $1.8M dollars in support materials to the Burkinabe Peacekeeping Forces. The materials, presented to General Chief of Staff of the armed Forces Nabere Honore Traore, included field medical equipment, generators, body armor, uniforms and many other tools. This equipment was given to ... Read More»
American Road Show Visits Fada N’Gourma
Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi and several members of the U.S. Mission traveled to Fada N’Gourma for the 6th Edition of the “American Road Show” January 9-10, 2014. Day 1 began with a courtesy call on the Governor of the Region, Mr. Bertin Somda followed by a visit to the American Corner where the Ambassador met with approximately ... Read More»
Literacy Class Empowers Women and Educates Children by Molly Morrison
In Molly Morrison’s host village, there are several primary schools for children, but there is nowhere for adult women to become educated. To help women to further their education, she partnered with a local library to provide classes for women in Jula, a widely spoken local language in the area. 38 women in the village ... Read More»
Teachers and Students Capacity Bulding with McKenna Radunzel
All for One and One for All: Volunteer McKenna Radunzel provided training to 5 primary schools teachers of the community of Dakoro in 2012. The primary goal of the project was to provide instructional materials and training which would then improve instructional practice. The project successfully provided 5 schools with a total of 60 chalkboards ... Read More»
30 New Peace Corps Volunteers Sworn-in in Ouagadougou
Tuesday, December 17, 2013. 30 new Peace Corps Volunteers were sworn-in at the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The new volunteers, ranging from 22 to 61 years in age, received 9 weeks of training in Léo where they received technical and cross-cultural training. Throughout their training, they lived with host families who helped facilitate ... Read More»
American Road Show Visits Banfora
Ambassador Mushingi and his staff traveled Southwest to the Cascades Region December 13 – 15, bringing the American Road Show to capital city of Banfora. The American Road Show’s main goal is to strengthen the bond with the Burkinabè throughout the country by taking the time to visit with the people in the 13 different ... Read More»
Launching of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Conference on Monitoring for Radionuclides
M. le Secrétaire Exécutif, M. le Directeur Scientifique, dignitaries and members of the scientific community, thank you for honoring me with this invitation to speak to you today. This year, Americans celebrated the memory of one of our great presidents, President John F. Kennedy, as we mark the 50th anniversary of his death. We honor ... Read More»
Peace Corps Volunteer Natalya Kostandova Helps Build a School Library in Tema
In the community of Tema, Peace Corps Volunteer, Natalya Kostandova, worked closely with the Tema community to build a library for the students at the local junior high school. The objectives of the library project were to: 1) increase community access to literature; 2) facilitate development of reading, analytical and research skills; and 3) provide ... Read More»
U.S. Embassy Organized a Benefit Concert to Support the Rama Foundation
On November 23, U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou hosted a benefit concert in support of the Rama Foundation which provides corrective surgeries to women suffering from Obstetrical Fistual. In honor of Meg Riggs, the Public Affairs officer who departs post after three years of dedicated service to the American people and to the people of Burkina Faso ... Read More»
U.S. Ambassador Tulinabo S. Mushingi Distributes Treated Mosquito Nets in the District of Boulmiougou in Ouagadougou
On Friday November, 8 2013, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi, USAID Country Director Jim Parys and malaria specialist Kathy Webb visited a mosquito nets distribution center in the district of Boulmiougou in Ouagadougou where they officially handed over 350,000 treated mosquito nets to the people of Burkina Faso through the Ministry of Health. During the event, Ambassador ... Read More»
From the Village to the City: Ambassadors’ First Visit to Leo Highlights Myriad, Multi-level Collaborations Between the United States and Burkina Faso
On October 30, 2013, Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi visited Leo, a commune in the Center-West Region of Burkina, to visit ongoing Millenium Challenge Corporation Projects and the Peace Corps training facility. The morning began with a progress report meeting in the village of Sissili with the “chef du village” and numerous participants of the Millenium Challenge ... Read More»
United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF)
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to provide the opening remarks this morning. Let me thank the government of Burkina Faso for hosting this workshop and its critical role in promoting peace and dialogue within the sub-region as well as its strong partnership with the U.S. and the international community to counter terrorism. ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Visits the Millennium Challenge Account in Ouagadougou
On the morning of October 21, 2013, Ambassador Mushingi made his first visit to the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) offices at the Barack Obama Building to meet the MCA Senior Management and staff and offer words of encouragement as the Compact heads into its final 9 months of implementation. Led by National Coordinator, Bissiri Sirima, ... Read More»
“International Day of the Girl” Commemoration
The U. S. Embassy in Ouagadougou joined 1,200 other groups around the world on October 11, 2013 to commemorate the International Day of the Girl by organizing a film screening of “Girl Rising” for local high school and primary school students and teachers plus NGOs that promote girls education. The film was followed by a ... Read More»
How Entrepreneurial Spirit Impacts the American Educational Approach
On Thursday, October 3, 2013, the U. S. Embassy welcomed Burkinabe Fulbright alumnus, Dramane Gnessi, who shared his experience of studying in the USA on the Fulbright program with an audience of 35 students. Mr. Gnessi earned his Master’s degree in teaching English as a foreign language. His experience as a student in the USA ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Helps Launch Project to Combat Child Labor
U.S. Ambassador Tulinabo S. Mushingi and the Minister of Civil Service, Labor, and Social Security Vincent Zakané gave hugs to 11-year-old Alice Traoré after she delivered an emotional message about child labor and children’s desire to live a “normal life” at the launching ceremony of the U.S.-funded anti-child labor project. On September 26, 2013, Counterpart ... Read More»
New United States Ambassador to Burkina Faso Meets Bobo Youth
On September 26, 2013, the new U. S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Dr. Tulinabo Mushingi, visited Bobo-Dioulasso where he met with a group of 115 youth in a town hall meeting. Students, Junior Chamber International members, patrons of the American Corner Bobo, and young professionals assembled in the American Corner at the “Espace Rencontre Jeunesse ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Welcomes Burkinabe Youth to American Embassy
The median age in the U. S. Embassy Ouagadougou dropped by at least a decade the afternoon of Tuesday, September 24, 2013 as newly arrived Ambassador of the United States of America to Burkina Faso, Dr. Tulinabo Mushingi, welcomed about 120 youth for an American –style town hall meeting. Among others in the audience were ... Read More»
Slow, But Steady Progress on Burkina Faso Land Reform
Burkina Faso has been working for years to improve its land ownership legislation – particularly in rural areas – in large part to protect rural land owners from unfair deals that have seen wealthier buyers acquire vast tracts of land at the expense of poor villagers. The US aid agency Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) first ... Read More»
Ambassador Mushingi Presents Credentials to President Compaoré
On Tuesday, September 17, 2013, in a solemn ceremony under military color guard, Dr. Tulinabo S. Mushingi, the new ambassador of the United States of America to Burkina Faso, presented his credentials to President Blaise Compaoré at the presidential palace, Kosyam. While Ouagadougou represents his first post as ambassador, it is not Dr. Mushingi’s first ... Read More»
Peace Coprs Volunteers Held Science Camp at Fada
From September 9 to 13, Peace Corps Volunteers facilitated a Science Camp in the eastern capital region of Fada in Burkina Faso. The Science Camp had five goals: 1) Educate students on the importance and methodology of water sanitation and treatment; 2) Expose students to scientific thinking; 3) Expose students to the relevance of science in ... Read More»
23 New Peace Corps Volunteers Sworn-in
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 – 23 new Peace Corps Volunteers were sworn-in at the residence of the Chargé d’Affairs of the United States of America in Ouagadougou. Ranging between the ages of 22 and 69 years old, they will be working in Burkina Faso’s Education Development sector during their 2 years of service. The Volunteers ... Read More»
Burkina Faso Votes for Faso Soap
On August 20, 2013, the U.S. Embassy organized a voting party to help support a group of young Burkinabè competing in the GIST program – Global Innovation through Science and Technology — to win the prize worth 70,000 U.S. dollars and international recognition, which will allow them to further develop Faso Soap. The Burkinabè entrepreneurs ... Read More»
Ambassador Tulinabo Encourages Six Young Burkinabe Leaders Leaving for the YALI Fellow Conference in Washington
U.S. Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi met with six young Burkinabé selected to participate in the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Washington Fellow program in Washington. Issouf Ilboudo, Sanon Anselme, Sylvie Tougma, Herman Naré, Abdalla Dao et Francine Boro/Legma were the finalists of the YALI competition launched in December 2013.YALI is President Obama initiative launched in 2010 ... Read More»
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