THE WAYINYAN: BURKINA FASO’S NIGHTWATCH

Some people in Burkina Faso hardly sleep. Despite holding down day jobs, they spend their nights watching - for threats to the revolution. In this video, Ghanaian content creator Wode Maya (@mrghanababy on IG) meets the Wayinyan. The word means ‘Come Out’ in Mooré (one of the country’s official languages).

The Wayinyan are a determined, organised group of people who keep watch during the night, seated at strategic roundabouts in the capital Ouagadougou and key locations in other cities. They want to protect President Ibrahim Traoré, whose government recently foiled another coup attempt. The Wayinyan support the country’s security forces.

Their presence suggests a deep-rooted patriotism and commitment to national sovereignty. It reflects public support for Traoré’s anti-imperialist vision for Burkina Faso.

Traoré’s government has faced seven destabilisation attempts since coming to power in 2022. He has accused France of supporting terrorists based in Benin, and has also pointed the finger at Ivory Coast - alleging it provides cover for malign actors targeting Burkina Faso.

Have a watch and please tell us what you think.

Video credit: @mrghanababy (IG)