For the first time in more than 20 years, the presidential election witnessed a competition of more than two candidates. In the second round of voting from 16 to 18 December, the incumbent James Michel from the People’s Party who intended to run for a third and final term, secured his re-election. He received 50.15% of the votes, defeating opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan (49.85%) by just 193 votes in the second round.

The meeting of Ministers of the WTO Member States is held every two years. This year’s program focused on agriculture, food security and environmental protection which are key issues for the group of least developed countries (LDC – Least developed countries).

Parliamentary and presidential elections took place in Burkino Faso on 29 November 2015. They were considered as the most democratic in the history of the state. It was won by former prime minister Roch Marc Kabore in the first round by more than 53% of the votes. Before, in 2014, the 27 years rule of President Blaise Compaoré was overthrown. Interim-President Michel Kafando subsequently planned elections in October. They were postponed earlier due to a failed coup d´état by Compaoré supporters. The elections are a crucial step towards the political transformation and stability in the country.

During the meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), representatives reviewed the Sahel Strategy which sets development priorities of the Sahel and the Sahara and promotes political dialogue within countries in Northern and Central Africa. The strategy includes 31 major projects worth 4.7 billion dollars and is to be implemented by 2020. The strategy relates primarily to the integration of infrastructure, food security, education and support measures for peace and security.