Burkina Faso’s Traoré Fuels Protests: Demonstrations in favor of Burkina Faso’s transitional President Ibrahim Traoré have gained traction throughout Africa and among global diaspora communities. According to organisers, larger rallies are anticipated between April 28 and April 30.
These protests were sparked by statements made earlier this month by General Michael Langley, the head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), who accused Traoré during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing of exploiting Burkina Faso’s gold resources for personal gain rather than for the benefit of the populace.
In reaction, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, released a statement on April 15, condemning Langley’s comments as “derogatory” and “an affront to the sovereignty of the Burkinabé people.”
Addressing supporters in Ouagadougou earlier this week, Traoré criticised what he termed ongoing Western meddling in African matters. “They still perceive us as subservient,” he stated. “Now is the time for us to demonstrate our freedom.”
Unverified online reports have suggested that General Langley might be sent to Africa to “apprehend” Traoré, raising concerns about possible foreign intervention. The U.S. Department of Defense has not responded to these claims.
Traoré, who came to power through a coup in September 2022, continues to enjoy significant support from many young Africans. Advocates commend his nationalist discourse, anti-corruption initiatives, and efforts to industrialize Burkina Faso’s economy, which include promoting local manufacturing and job creation.
Senegalese-American artist Akon has recently released a tribute song celebrating Traoré’s leadership, further bolstering the president’s popularity across social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
“We must defend our own,” stated a widely circulated message from protest organizers. “This movement transcends an individual. It embodies the dignity and freedom of Africa.”
Protests are scheduled in various cities across Africa, including Dakar, Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, as well as in Paris, New York, and London.
Experts caution that the rising tide of nationalism, while a point of pride for many Africans, may heighten tensions between African nations and their Western allies.
In his latest comments, Traoré expressed his readiness to accept the repercussions of his leadership, recalling the legacies of fallen African leaders such as Thomas Sankara and Muammar Gaddafi. “I am unafraid to sacrifice my life for my people,” he asserted.
**Burkina Faso Citizens Rally Against Foreign Interference**
*Oluwasegun Sanusi*
*April 29, 2025*
*1 Min read*
Citizens of Burkina Faso assembled at the renowned Place de la Révolution in Ouagadougou to protest against foreign interference in their nation.
This mass mobilization, led by the Coordination Nationale de la Veille Citoyenne (CNAVC), brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds under the slogan, “To reach Traoré, you’ll have to walk over us,” as they marched in defense of what they termed the country’s hard-won independence and dignity.
The demonstration was a direct response to recent baseless comments made by General Longley, whose statements were denounced by CNAVC as “false analyses” and “unacceptable interference.”
“We will demonstrate to the world that Burkina Faso is no longer a subordinate state but a sovereign nation that makes decisions for its people,” declared Ghislain Dabiré, spokesperson for the National Coordination of Citizen Watch (CNAVC), during an interview with AIB.
Dabiré cautioned that any effort to destabilize the nation would face resistance from a vigilant and united populace. “To reach the president, you must first walk over the people of Burkina Faso,” he asserted.
Dabiré celebrated this as evidence of a growing wave of Pan-Africanism. “The era of exploitation and manipulation has ended. Black people now control their own fate,” he proclaimed.
Recently, President Ibrahim Traoré has garnered substantial international backing for his resolute opposition to imperialism and his vision for a liberated and independent Africa. Solidarity with the Burkinabè leader continues to spread widely across social media platforms.
