Dr. Poussi Sawadogo, a researcher from Burkina Faso, recently visited the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) as part of a research mission. During his stay, he was received in audience by Mme Su Line, vice-president of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC). The meeting took place on October 27, 2027, at the association's headquarters.
The discussion focused on security and development issues related to Sino-African cooperation. Dr. Sawadogo highlighted the security dynamics in the Sahel region, citing the efforts of Sahélien forces that have achieved significant victories on the ground. He noted that the Burkinabè state has regained control of over 74% of its national territory since the beginning of 2026.
Dr. Sawadogo also emphasized the importance of diversifying partnerships, with Sahélien states approaching countries like China for mutually beneficial cooperation that respects sovereignty and dignity. Mme Su Line expressed interest in this approach and highlighted the association's cooperation with the city of Ouagadougou, including a donation of 300 books to the municipal library.
The SPAFFC vice-president hopes that these documents will help Burkinabè and Sahéliens discover China. She also mentioned an initiative to translate the works of ten African authors into Chinese, aiming to promote cultural exchange between China and Africa. This initiative seeks to foster a dialogue of cultures and civilizations for shared prosperity and peace.
Dr. Sawadogo informed Mme Su Line about his project to write two books about China, one scientific and one a personal account of his two-month stay in Shanghai. The scientific book explores China's geopolitics as a model for the Confederation of Sahel States, while the second book describes daily life in Shanghai and the lessons learned from the city's residents.
Mme Su Line welcomed these initiatives and promised to study the possibility of supporting the publication and dissemination of these books in Burkina Faso, the Sahel, and Africa. She emphasized the importance of frank collaboration between China and Africa to counterbalance Western narratives about China and the African continent.
Dr. Sawadogo expressed satisfaction with the exchange and pledged to promote public Sino-African diplomacy. He believes that his status as a traditional chief of the King of Busma is an asset, given the Chinese emphasis on tradition and culture. The meeting highlighted the potential for increased cooperation between Burkina Faso and China in various fields.
Key points
- Dr. Poussi Sawadogo's research mission to Shanghai focused on security and development cooperation between Burkina Faso and China.
- The Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries donated 300 books to Ouagadougou's municipal library.
- Dr. Sawadogo plans to write two books about China, one scientific and one a personal account, to promote cultural exchange.
