Beyond Ouagadougou: State-building and jihadism in Burkina Faso

The article evaluates the current worsening security situation in Burkina Faso and ties it to a lack of state-building in the country. Based on Tilly's approach to state-building, it, consequently, draws a set of recommendations aiming to strengthen the effectiveness of Burkinabe security forces as a primary step to stop the current wave of violence and establish more stable state institutions. These would become a first step of the process that is necessary to stabilise the situation in the region, enhance the Pillars of State, and allow the state institutions to overcome the militias. The article clearly states that foreign intervention and military solution only of the conflict cannot lead to a successful result. Burkina Faso needs to enhance institutional penetration throughout its territory to allow for the mitigation of the rebellions not only in this instance but also for the future and strengthen the state-building project.