Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré has strongly refuted allegations made by AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley, who claimed before the US Senate that Burkina Faso’s gold is being used to finance military operations.
In an interview with Russian media outlet Sputnik, Traoré dismissed these claims as “lies” and asserted his country’s sovereign right to determine its international partnerships.
President Traoré labeled General Langley’s statements as “false” and “unacceptable,” defending Burkina Faso’s autonomy against what he perceives as Western attempts at destabilization. He confirmed that his government had officially protested these statements through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterating Burkina Faso’s freedom to “establish relations with whomever it wishes.”
“That’s independence. So, on this issue, they can continue to think what they want. We will go where we want, as long as these partnerships are mutually beneficial for both parties,” Traoré stated, emphasizing his country’s independence in making strategic decisions. He specifically challenged General Langley’s assertions regarding the use of Burkina Faso’s gold.
Traoré categorically denied these accusations, clarifying that the gold “is not his gold,” but “Burkina Faso’s gold.” He highlighted that his government was the first to build up gold reserves in the national treasury since assuming power. “Burkina never had gold reserves until we arrived. We were the ones who started reserving gold for Burkina Faso’s treasury. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been a single gram of gold reserves in Burkina Faso. That means he’s a liar,” he declared.
Beyond the issue of natural resources, Traoré also condemned what he sees as the manipulation of Africans to serve foreign interests. He expressed outrage at the use of Black officials to discredit his government. “It hurts a lot to see a Black person being used to fight a Black person. It didn’t start now. It has to stop,” he stated, drawing parallels with the situation in Libya and suggesting a recurring strategy of pitting Africans against their own people.
Traoré further criticized what he termed the “diplomatic hypocrisy” of Western powers, asserting that Burkina Faso will not be intimidated. “We are no longer involved in diplomatic hypocrisy. That’s how we are. Saying things loud and clear, and coming out and saying that we don’t apologize, you have to say it publicly,” he said. “I urge them to make amends, to say it publicly, because African youth have understood. Black youth around the world have understood.”
The Burkinabe leader also highlighted his government’s achievements in socioeconomic development, citing improvements in health infrastructure, increased agricultural production through free plowing of farmers’ fields, and the modernization of the national army. “The Burkinabe army has never been as well equipped and manned as it is now,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of these reforms for the country’s stability and security.
In closing, Traoré called on those responsible for what he considers a “disinformation campaign” to publicly rectify their statements. “It was a big lie, and it’s regrettable,” he reiterated, reaffirming his commitment to continuing reforms despite external pressures.
AC/Sf/fss/as/APA