Burkina Faso President Traoré Demands Answers After World Cup Playoff Spot Goes to Nigeria

Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré has called on the nation’s Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to explain why his country was denied a World Cup playoff spot, which instead went to Nigeria. The controversy followed Burkina Faso’s 3–1 win over Ethiopia, a result they believed would secure their qualification. However, CAF applied a rule that discounted points earned against the lowest-ranked team in each group — a measure triggered by Eritrea’s withdrawal — which ultimately benefited Nigeria, who had only drawn twice with Zimbabwe, the bottom-ranked team in their group. The decision reportedly left Traoré angered and seeking answers. Reports say Traoré has requested a full breakdown of the qualification process, particularly after Burkina Faso’s strong finish. The Stallions had played early qualifiers away from home while their Stade du 4 Août was being renovated to meet CAF standards. Upon returning to their home stadium, they recorded crucial victories, only to later learn that Nigeria had advanced instead.

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Burkina Faso Refuses US Proposal to Accept Deported Citizens

Burkina Faso Refuses US Proposal to Accept Deported Citizens

Burkina Faso has rejected a US request to take in deported individuals, pushing back against a key migration policy under President Donald Trump. The West African nation, governed by a junta critical of Western influence, refused to accept people sent to third countries with whom they have little or no connection. In contrast, several African countries, including Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda, and South Sudan, have recently agreed to accept individuals expelled from the United States. Burkina Faso’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, called the proposal “indecent” and said it went against the country’s principles of dignity. Earlier on Thursday, the US embassy in Ouagadougou announced the suspension of most visa services for Burkinabe citizens, directing them instead to apply in Lome, Togo. “Is this a way to put pressure on us? Is this blackmail? Whatever it is… Burkina Faso is a place of dignity, a destination, not a place of expulsion,” Traore said. Since taking power in a September 2022 coup, Captain Ibrahim Traore has positioned himself as an anti-imperialist, Pan-African leader, reducing ties with France and the West while strengthening relations with Russia.  

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ECOWAS considers Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger withdrawal

The Economic Community of West African States have considered the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from the Commission. ECOWAS stated this in press statement issued and made available today (Wednesday), 29th January, 2025. The statement reads; “The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025. However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interet of the, as well as sthe decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member State are requested and required to: “Recognise National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger until further notice. “Continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countriesx in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy. “Allow Citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocals until further notice. “Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community. “These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of or future engagement with the three countries the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. “The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”

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