Africa is quickly developing in the 21st century and many places are perfect for tourists. The world’s second-largest continent is home to some stunning countries like Mauritius and Madagascar. But unfortunately, it’s also home to what many believe is the world’s most dangerous nation in 2025.
Burkina Faso has been ranked as the most dangerous country on Earth in the latest Global Terrorism Index, scoring 8.58 out of 10 based on the number of terrorist incidents, fatalities, injuries and hostage situations. The report, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, shows that Burkina Faso suffered 111 terrorist incidents, 1,532 deaths and over 200 injuries in the past year alone.
The threat is so high that the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Burkina Faso, with the only exception being the capital, Ouagadougou, and even then, it recommends essential travel only.
There is no British Embassy in the country, and in the event of serious unrest, evacuation is not guaranteed.
The government warns of a “very high threat” of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, with British nationals seen as legitimate targets.
Islamist groups such as Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Greater Sahara (ISGS) operate across much of the country.
The Sahel region, where Burkina Faso is located, now accounts for over half of all global terrorism deaths, according to the GTI.
There have been frequent and deadly attacks, particularly in areas near the borders with Mali, Niger, and Ivory Coast.
In August 2024, at least 400 people were killed in a village attack in Barsalogho, while in February 2024, 15 people were killed in a church attack in Essakane.
That same month, 12 more died in a mosque attack in Natiaboani. Earlier in 2023, two foreign nationals were killed in a truck convoy ambush in the Sahel, and dozens were killed in attacks across six villages.
Most recently, Burkina Faso’s own army was accused of killing at least 130 civilians near Solenzo, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) published by the BBC.
HRW claims the killings were part of a military-led operation targeting the Fulani community, which the government has accused of supporting jihadist groups, an allegation denied by community leaders.
More attacks by jihadists were also reported in recent weeks, though the BBC said it has been unable to independently verify them, and the government rarely comments.
And with 40% of the country now under the control of Islamist groups, the military junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has recently turned to Russia for help.
Last month, the army also said it had foiled a “major” coup attempt against the ruling junta. Authorities claimed several officers were arrested for allegedly plotting to destabilise the country and undermine the military-led government of Traoré.