Crises threaten trust in Burkina Faso's government

Significance

Opposition and civil society frustration is growing, and the state’s eroding legitimacy could be further weakened by poorly managed polls.

Impacts

• Persistent insecurity, including in previously quiet areas of the south, could greatly disrupt electoral operations and lower turnout.
• While the country has a long history of peaceful polls, the proliferation of vigilante groups raises the prospect of increased instability.
• Domestic observer groups will play an even greater role given likely reduced international involvement amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Peulhs are reportedly being prevented from joining various self-defence groups, reaffirming suspicions that they are one of their targets.