Rising instability in Burkina Faso
After two years in office, President Roch Marc Christian Kabore’s government is facing a wave of strikes, student protests and demonstrations by disgruntled local communities. This unrest comes as the Burkinabe security forces struggle to contain salafi-jihadist insurgents in the north amid public criticisms of poor government leadership. Kabore's administration has stated that a recent cabinet reshuffle will refocus energies on the National Plan for Economic and Social Development (PNDES). However, growing public discontent is emboldening the previously weak opposition.
Growing civil unrest could divert funding and resources from the northern provinces most vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
The government will try to avoid clamping down on protests for fear of aiding the opposition further.
If conducted fairly, long-delayed trials of former regime leaders could increase the government’s popularity.
