Burkina Faso Shuts Down Genetically Modified Mosquito Project Backed by Bill Gates Foundation

Burkina Faso’s military government has ordered an immediate halt to a controversial anti-malaria initiative backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project, led by the research consortium Target Malaria, involved releasing genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes as a method to combat the deadly disease.

In a statement on Friday, authorities instructed the NGO to cease all operations within the country, marking the latest crackdown on foreign-funded organizations.

Target Malaria has been active in Burkina Faso since 2012, claiming full compliance with national laws. The group says it remains open to working with the government but now faces an uncertain future.

The first controlled release of genetically modified mosquitoes occurred in 2019, sparking mixed reactions. While supporters argued the technology could drastically reduce malaria transmission, critics including local civil society groups expressed concerns over safety, ethics, and long-term environmental impact. The project has also been a frequent target of disinformation campaigns online.

A spokesperson for a coalition opposing the initiative called for prioritizing less controversial, safer methods to fight malaria, which remains a major health threat in the region. Burkina Faso recorded over eight million cases last year, making it one of the most affected countries globally.

The decision to halt Target Malaria’s activities comes amid a broader government crackdown on international NGOs. Over the past few months, the military-led administration under Captain Ibrahim Traoré has revoked the licenses of 21 foreign organizations receiving external funding.

Traoré’s regime, in power since a 2022 coup, has increasingly sought to assert national sovereignty and limit foreign influence, especially in sensitive sectors like health, education, and security.