Burkina Faso has suspended the controversial Target Malaria project, halting genetically modified mosquito trials amid concerns over national sovereignty, biosafety risks and foreign influence. The decision, announced by the country’s military-led government in August 2025, marks a major setback for one of Africa’s most closely watched biotech initiatives aimed at combating malaria.
Why Burkina Faso Halted the Target Malaria Project
Authorities cited unresolved biosafety questions surrounding genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes, alongside doubts about the technology’s long-term effectiveness. Officials also stressed the need for scientific independence, raising concerns about reliance on foreign funding, including support linked to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Under leader Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso has adopted a stronger anti-Western stance, reflecting broader geopolitical shifts in the Sahel region. Local advocacy groups, including the Coalition for Monitoring Biotechnological Activities (CVAB), criticised the project for alleged lack of transparency and ethical safeguards. Some opponents accused researchers of treating local communities as “guinea pigs” in high-risk experiments.
Timeline: From Field Trial to Facility Shutdown
The suspension followed a field trial that began on August 11, 2025, in Souroukoudingan village. The trial involved releasing male-biased GM mosquitoes — designed not to bite humans — as a preliminary step toward future gene-drive technology intended to suppress malaria-carrying mosquito populations.
On August 18, authorities sealed research facilities and halted all activities. By August 22, officials ordered the destruction of GM mosquito samples, effectively ending the trial phase.
Broader Implications for Malaria Research in Africa
Target Malaria had operated in Burkina Faso since 2012 in partnership with the Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS). The project aimed to reduce malaria, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s deadliest diseases, through innovative genetic approaches.
However, the suspension highlights growing scepticism across parts of Africa toward foreign-led biotech programmes. As Burkina Faso pivots away from traditional Western allies, the decision signals how politics, public trust and scientific governance now intersect sharply in global health research.
Summary
Burkina Faso halted the Target Malaria project in August 2025, citing biosafety risks, national sovereignty and concerns over foreign funding. Authorities shut facilities and destroyed GM mosquito samples, raising questions about biotech research in Africa.
FAQs
1. Why did Burkina Faso suspend the Target Malaria project?
The government cited biosafety concerns, limited effectiveness of GM mosquitoes and issues related to national sovereignty and foreign funding.
2. What was the Target Malaria project trying to achieve?
It aimed to reduce malaria transmission by releasing genetically modified, non-biting mosquitoes.
3. When were the mosquito trials halted?
Authorities suspended activities on August 18, 2025, and ordered the destruction of samples by August 22.
4. Who funded the Target Malaria project?
The project received international support, including funding linked to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
5. What does this mean for malaria research in Africa?
The suspension reflects growing scrutiny of foreign-led biotech initiatives and may influence future genetic research projects in the region.
