REFLEXIVE PEACE PRACTICE (RPP) PROJECT

Burkina Faso experienced significant economic development alongside persistent governance concerns during 29 September–5 October 2026. President Ibrahim Traoré inaugurated the country’s first gold refinery, RAFFINOR-BF, with capacity to refine 164 tonnes annually, as part of a push for greater control over mineral wealth. The exiled opposition Front Anti-putschiste published “Les disparus d’Ibrahim Traoré,” documenting 86 abductions and arbitrary detentions between December 2022 and September 2026, with 46 people still held in secret locations. The government began strict enforcement of motorcycle helmet regulations on 1 October, with the Security Minister declaring “the recreation is over.” Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger also launched Tafouk TV, a regional television channel with Russian backing, to counter Western media coverage.