Ouagadougou, March 19, 2025 — President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso has declined an offer from Saudi Arabia to fund the construction of 200 mosques in the West African nation. Instead, President Traoré has called for investments in sectors that directly benefit the populace, such as education, healthcare, and employment-generating enterprises.Education Monitor News+6Converseer+6The Conclave+6
President Traoré emphasized that Burkina Faso already possesses a sufficient number of mosques, many of which are underutilized. He highlighted the pressing need for development initiatives that bolster the nation’s self-reliance and foster progress in critical areas. This decision aligns with his administration’s broader vision of prioritizing public infrastructure to ensure sustainable development.The Conclave+3Converseer+3Education Monitor News+3AsheNews+1Converseer+1Wikipedia
Since assuming office, President Traoré has implemented reforms aimed at improving the management and execution of public projects. The Ministry of Housing now oversees all phases of public construction—from design and planning to execution—while enforcing strict technical, environmental, and safety standards. Beyond infrastructure, the government has launched initiatives to address housing shortages, particularly for internally displaced persons affected by security challenges. On July 12, 2024, President Traoré unveiled a project to build 1,000 social housing units, reinforcing his commitment to providing adequate housing for all Burkinabè by 2030.Wikipedia+4AsheNews+4Converseer+4
In pursuit of economic self-sufficiency, President Traoré has also rejected financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), advocating instead for the mobilization of domestic resources. His administration is focusing on agriculture, local industries, and sustainable development as pillars of economic resilience and growth.Wikipedia+3AsheNews+3The Conclave+3
President Traoré’s firm rejection of the Saudi mosque proposal underscores his commitment to a development strategy centered on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment—key elements he views as essential for Burkina Faso’s future. By prioritizing investments that directly enhance the well-being of the Burkinabè people, the president aims to lay a foundation for long-term prosperity and stability in the nation.