President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso has launched a national appeal for “economic patriotism,” urging citizens to prioritize locally produced goods to break the country’s cycle of import dependence.
Speaking in Ouagadougou on Thursday at the start of the 3rd National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Civic Participation (JEPPC), the Head of State framed food sovereignty as a critical front in the struggle for national liberation and independence.
Under the theme of “My Plate, My Pride,” President Traoré criticized the prevalence of imported staples in Burkinabe households, describing such reliance as a contemporary form of imperialist domination. He pointed to a disconnect in the national market where produce from fertile regions like Bagré, Sourou, and Samendeni often struggles to find buyers while foreign goods dominate shelves. The President called for a “patriotic awakening” across all levels of society, specifically instructing government agencies, schools, and private businesses to lead by example in sourcing local products.
The President warned that food dependency carries long-term political risks, asserting that those who provide a nation’s food eventually dictate its will. By shifting consumption habits, he argued, Burkina Faso can strengthen its internal economy, support domestic artisans and farmers, and effectively combat the high cost of living.
Running from March 26 to April 9, 2026, the JEPPC serves as a two-week framework designed to foster collective action and civic responsibility. President Traoré concluded his address by calling on the population to view their daily food choices as a strategic tool for building a resilient and sovereign Burkina Faso.
HO/te/Sf/fss/abj/APA