The American diplomat has been back in Ouagadougou since mid-July 2024, after spending time there as director of the American Cultural Centre from 2006 to 2009.
Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela expressed Burkina Faso’s wish for arms support from the United States, during an audience with Ambassador Joann Lockard in Ouagadougou on Monday.
“Those who attack Burkina Faso come with weapons, and the military must also have weapons to fight back,” the head of the transitional government said.
He argues that it is essential to contain armed attacks to enable citizens to live in security, a prerequisite for any humanitarian and development action.
For this reason, he pleaded with Ambassador Lockard to help remove the obstacles to Burkina Faso being able to arm itself, at a time when American licences are blocking the delivery of warplanes ordered from Brazil.
“If these aircraft were usable, we could have saved lives. It is in bad times that true friends are made,” he stressed.
In response, the diplomat affirmed that current American aid to the transition amounts to $16 million for the Defence and Security Forces, as well as for the construction of dispensaries and schools, and for humanitarian actions.
However, she reaffirmed her country’s commitment to stand by Burkina Faso in its fight against terrorism and in its development efforts.
“We want the same thing as you: a strong, independent and stable Burkina Faso. That is our goal, and we share the same vision for this country” she concluded.
DS/te/fss/as/APA