History of Ouagadougou in Timeline

Ouagadougou, often shortened to Ouaga, is the capital and largest city of Burkina Faso. Serving as the nation's administrative, communications, cultural, and economic hub, it had a population of over 2.4 million in 2019. The city's name reflects French orthography, a legacy of Burkina Faso's colonial past. Residents of Ouagadougou are known as Ouagalais.

1919: Ouagadougou Made Capital

In 1919, the colonial administration made Ouagadougou the capital of the Upper Volta territory, extensively rebuilding the town.

1954: Railroad Line Reaches Ouagadougou

In 1954, the railroad line from Ivory Coast reached Ouagadougou, spurring massive population growth.

1956: First Municipal Elections

In 1956, Ouagadougou held its first municipal elections.

1974: University of Ouagadougou Founded

In 1974, the state University of Ouagadougou, the largest university in the city, was founded.

1985: Renovations in Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park

In 1985, renovations were done in the Bangr-Weoogo urban park.

1994: Bilingual Program Established

In 1994, a bilingual program in schools, teaching French plus one of the local languages, was established in Ouagadougou.

1996: Renovation of Jardin de l'amitié Ouaga-Loudun

In 1996, the green space of "Jardin de l'amitié Ouaga-Loudun" (Garden of Ouaga-Loudun Friendship) was renovated.

January 2001: Park Renamed Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo

In January 2001, the Bangr-Weoogo urban park was renamed "Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo", meaning "the urban park of the forest of knowledge".

2003: Market Fire and Reopening

In 2003, Ouagadougou's largest market burned down, but it has since been reopened with improved facilities and fire-prevention measures.

2010: Student Population at University of Ouagadougou

In 2010, the University of Ouagadougou had approximately 40,000 students, representing 83% of the national university student population.

June 2014: Passenger Train Service by Sitarail

As of June 2014, Sitarail operates a passenger train three times a week along the route from Ouagadougou to Abidjan.

January 2016: Attack on Central Ouagadougou

On 15 January 2016, gunmen attacked central Ouagadougou at the Cappuccino restaurant and the Splendid Hotel, resulting in 28 deaths and at least 56 wounded. A counterattack resulted in the release of 176 hostages, and three perpetrators were killed.