LAGOS, Nigeria – Burkina Faso’s military government has suspended all activities of Target Malaria, a controversial project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that involves releasing genetically modified mosquitoes to fight malaria.
In a statement issued Friday, the authorities ordered the NGO to halt operations, citing rising opposition and ethical concerns.
The project, launched in 2019, is backed by more than 150 African and Western researchers and seeks to reduce malaria, which kills over 500,000 people across Africa annually.
The suspension follows a recent mosquito release earlier this month, which critics argued could pose ecological and ethical risks.
“This technology is highly controversial and should not be imposed on our people without adequate safeguards,” said Ali Tapsoba, spokesperson for an opposition coalition.
Burkina Faso’s government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has already withdrawn licences of 21 international NGOs this year. Analysts view the suspension as part of a broader clampdown on foreign-backed projects.
Target Malaria defended its record, stating: “The project has been operating in compliance with Burkina Faso’s national legislation since 2012 and remains ready to cooperate with authorities.”
Despite the setback, malaria remains one of the country’s deadliest diseases, with more than eight million cases and 16,000 deaths recorded in 2023.
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