Apr 2, 2026
Burkina Faso's military government has introduced measures requiring schoolchildren to sing the national anthem in local languages a

Apr 2, 2026
Burkina Faso's military government has introduced measures requiring schoolchildren to sing the national anthem in local languages and wear traditional clothing, aiming to foster patriotism and reduce French colonial influence. Since Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in 2022, authorities say 13 local languages have been added to the curriculum, alongside school farming projects to reduce food aid dependency. Critics, including exiled activists, argue that the country's children need restored rule of law rather than propaganda, amid ongoing conflict with armed groups and reports of repression targeting journalists and rights defenders.

Al Jazeera's Malcolm Webb reports from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.