By Muhammad Mamman
Burkina Faso has scrapped visa fees for all African nationals in a landmark policy aimed at boosting Pan-African solidarity, easing mobility across the continent, and strengthening cultural and economic ties.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, following a cabinet meeting chaired by the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
“From now on, any citizen of an African country travelling to Burkina Faso will not be required to pay visa fees,” Sana declared, adding that travellers must still complete an online entry application for approval.
Citizens of West African states were already exempt from visa requirements, but the latest decision comes at a pivotal moment. Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year, raising questions over future regional mobility.
A Growing Trend Across Africa
Burkina Faso now joins Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya in advancing visa-free access for Africans, echoing the African Union’s drive for greater integration and cross-border cooperation.
According to the junta’s information service, the policy is expected to stimulate tourism, promote Burkinabè culture, and raise the country’s global profile.
Traoré’s Pan-African Vision
Since seizing power in 2022, Captain Traoré has cast himself as a staunch Pan-Africanist, openly challenging colonial legacies and Western dominance. His rhetoric — amplified across social media — has resonated with many Africans seeking stronger continental unity.
Security Shadows
However, the reform comes against the backdrop of persistent insecurity. For over a decade, Burkina Faso has battled Islamist insurgencies, with nearly 40 per cent of its territory estimated to be outside state control. Despite deepening security ties with Russia and promises of stability, deadly attacks against civilians and security forces remain frequent.