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, …

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 …

Ambassador Mushingi exchanging ideas with UN Representative H.E.M Mohammed Ibn Chambas, and UNDP, French and EU colleagues on Sahel Initiatives.      

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Ambassador Mushingi engaging some students on their views on the latest cases of students striking and vandalizing property.      

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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) …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.  

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 » …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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    

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.    

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 …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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) …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.      

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …