Burkina Faso on Friday halted a project backed by US billionaire Bill Gates and his foundation. The project, led by Target Malaria, involved releasing genetically modified mosquitoes to eradicate malaria. The military rulers ordered the NGO to immediately cease “all activities” in the West African country.
This makes Target Malaria the latest international NGO to come under immense pressure from the government. The project has been widely criticized by some civil society groups and was targeted by online disinformation campaigns.
A spokesperson for a coalition against the project said they should prioritize safer alternatives over controversial technologies.
Target Malaria said it has been operating in compliance with Burkina Faso’s national legislation since 2012. The group stated it remains ready to cooperate with the military government.
The first release of genetically modified mosquitoes took place in 2019. Burkina Faso is among the 10 countries most affected by malaria, with over eight million cases recorded last year.
The military administration, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, has ruled the country for nearly three years. In recent months, the government has revoked the licenses of 21 international NGOs that receive outside funding.
