Burkina Faso–Canada relations

Burkina Faso and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1962.[1] Canada and Burkina Faso share French as a common language and work together on regional and multilateral issues.[1]

Burkina Faso–Canada relations
Map indicating locations of Burkina Faso and Canada

Burkina Faso

Canada

History

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In 2019, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb targeted a convoy of vehicles working for the Canadian gold mining firm Semafo. While authorities recorded the death toll to be at a minimum of 37, the death toll is likely to be much higher. Survivors have placed casualty estimates in the hundreds.[2] The Canadian embassy to the country described the incident as a "terrorist attack against a convoy of Burkinabe workers of the Canadian mining company Semafo."[3][4] The massacre also prompted a condemnation from Global Affairs Canada, Canada's foreign ministry.[5] The incident was also denounced by Burkinabé authorities.[6][3]

Trade

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In 2012 bilateral trade was worth $74.4 million.[1] Canadian exports include machines, electrical equipment, rubber, vehicles, tools, medical equipment and manufactured iron and steel goods.[1] Burkinabe exports include gemstones and oilseeds.[1]

In 2010 and 2011 Canada provided $34.85 million of foreign aid to Burkina Faso through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).[1]

Resident diplomatic missions

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Before 1995, Canada's ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire also represented the country's interests in Burkina Faso. In 1995 Canada established an embassy in Ouagadougou.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Canada - Burkina Faso Relations". Bilateral Relations. Government of Canada. 29 May 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  2. ^ "'So many dead': Survivors describe terrifying Burkina Faso ambush". Reuters. 2019-11-08. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  3. ^ a b "Dozens killed in attack on Canadian mine workers in Burkina Faso". UPI. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  4. ^ "Canadian mining firm's convoy attacked in Burkina Faso, 37 dead". CBC News. November 6, 2019. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  5. ^ Arsenault, Julien (2019-11-06). "Ambush on Montreal-based mining company convoy kills 37 in Burkina Faso". CTVNews. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  6. ^ "Attack on Canadian mine convoy in Africa leaves 37 dead". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2022-02-13.