By Pascal Ibe

Claim

Users on the X platform, @Ubasinachimbia and Daily Viral Gist have shared images showing currency notes alongside the claim that Burkina Faso has replaced CFA frac.

Verdict

This claim is FALSE. Thorough Findings indicated that the CFA franc continues to remain the West African nation’s official currency as no credible sources validated this claim.

Full Text

Users on the X platform have claimed that the Ibrahim Traore-led Burkina Faso has introduced a new currency known as SIRA to replace the CFA frac.

They shared two photos of the currency alongside the claim.

@Ubasinachimbia claimed that “Burkina Faso has taken the bull by the horns. Here comes a new currency known as SIRA, which shall henceforth be in circulation to replace the FCFA that has been the legal tender of the Country. This act is a great move against Western imperialism.”

The post by @Ubasinachimbia generated over 28k views, more than 650 reposts, and 1k likes, according to X analytics.

Also, Daily Vital Gist posted one of the pictures and wrote, “Burkina Faso now has a new currency known as SIRA. It shall replace the French-controlled FCFA that has been the legal tender of the Country.”

Burkina Faso was among the three countries that exited the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) in January.

Citing reasons, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic accused ECOWAS of becoming a threat to its members, of being “under the influence of foreign powers,” and of betraying its founding principles. They also accused the regional body of failing to support their fight against “terrorism and insecurity,” while imposing “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions” following military coups.

Since then, the three countries have made moves to ally.

Verification

First, no reputable news organization in Burkina Faso or anywhere has reported the introduction of the new currency, SIRA.

The two images cannot be traced to any credible source or website. This showed that the photos were photoshopped.

When checking XE, a platform leading the world in currency information and global transfers for 30+ years, it was discovered that CFA frac is still Burkina Faso’s official currency.

On 11 February 2024, the head of Niger’s ruling military junta, General Abdourahmane Tiani, spoke of the possible creation of a common currency with Burkina Faso and Mali. “The currency is a first step toward breaking free from the legacy of colonization,” he said on national TV, referring to the CFA franc inherited from French colonization.

At the moment, there has not been any development on this.

Conclusion

The claim that Burkina Faso has replaced CFA frac with SIRA as its official currency can’t be confirmed by credible news organizations or sources. Therefore it’s FALSE.