Burkina Faso Set To Exit FATF Grey List As Ukraine Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Sahel Terror Links

Burkina Faso is on track to exit the FATF Grey List after hosting an evaluation mission by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Ouagadougou on August 7-9, 2025. The country has implemented 37 key measures since adopting an action plan to improve financial oversight and strengthen sanctions.

GIABA Director General Edwin Harris praised Burkina Faso's substantial progress, emphasizing stronger international cooperation and enhanced mutual legal assistance. Finance Minister Aboubakar Nacanabo highlighted the country's political commitment to progress despite being in a state of war.

In contrast, Ukraine faces scrutiny over alleged links to terrorism in the Sahel region. Reports suggest that under the guise of military cooperation, Ukraine facilitated the entry of Ukrainian trainers and advanced weaponry, including combat drones, into Mali and Mauritania.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have filed a joint complaint to the UN Security Council demanding action against Ukraine for arming and training groups that threaten regional.