U.S. relations with Burkina Faso are good but subject to strains because of the Compaore government's past involvement in arms trading and other sanctions-breaking activity. In addition to regional peace and stability, U.S. interests in Burkina are to promote continued democratization and greater respect for human rights and to encourage sustainable economic development. Although the Agency for International Development (USAID) closed its office in Ouagadougou in 1995, about $18 million annually of USAID funding goes to Burkina's development through non-governmental and regional organizations. The largest is a Food for Peace school lunch program administered by Catholic Relief Services. Burkina has been the site of several development success stories. U.S. leadership in building food security in the Sahel after the 1968-74 drought has been successful in virtually eliminating famine, despite recurrent drought years. River blindness has been eliminated from the region. In both cases, the U.S. was the main donor to inter-African organizations headquartered in Ouagadougou which through sustained efforts have achieved and consolidated these gains.

In 1995, the Peace Corps program resumed, after a 10-year absence, with volunteers working in rural health and education. In 2003, over 90 Volunteers will be in Burkina Faso, including those working in a new sector of small business development. U.S. trade with Burkina is still extremely limited--$18.8 million in U.S. exports and $2.9 million in Burkinabe exports to the U.S. in 2002--but investment possibilities exist, especially in the mining and communications sectors.

The U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso is located on 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau in Ouagadougou. Mailing addresses are: International mail: Ambassade des Etats-Unis, 01 B.P. 35, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso; Mail from the US: Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC 20521-2440, tel: (226) 30-67-23, fax: (226) 31-23-68 or (226) 30-38-90. Email address: amembouaga@state.gov.