Ibrahim Traoré rejects Africom accusations and defends Burkina Faso’s sovereignty
Burkina Faso’s president, Ibrahim Traoré, has strongly dismissed recent accusations made by U.S. General Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command (Africom), who claimed before the U.S. Senate that Burkina Faso’s gold was being used to finance military operations.
Captain Ibrahim TRAORÉ, President of Burkina Faso, during the raising of the national flag @Présidence du Faso
In an interview with Russian media outlet Sputnik, Traoré denounced the allegations as “false” and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strategic sovereignty and independence. He described Langley’s statements as “unacceptable” and said that his government had officially lodged a protest through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Burkina Faso is free to partner with whomever it chooses,” he insisted, emphasizing that future alliances would be built on mutual interests.
Addressing the core of the accusation, Traoré categorically rejected the claim that the country’s gold was funding military activities. He stressed that the resource belongs to the people and is used in their interest. “It’s not his gold—it’s Burkina’s gold,” he said, adding that his administration was the first to establish national gold reserves. “Before we took office, not a single gram was in the Treasury.”
Beyond the accusations, Traoré condemned what he sees as a recurring tactic to discredit African leaders. He expressed dismay over the involvement of Black officials in such efforts, saying: “It’s painful to see one African used against another. This pattern is not new. It has to stop,” citing Libya as an example of externally driven destabilization.
He also called out what he termed the “diplomatic hypocrisy” of certain Western partners, warning that Burkina Faso would not bow to foreign pressure. “We’re no longer playing the game of double talk. If apologies must be made, they should be public. Africa’s youth is now aware of these manipulations,” he stated.
Traoré went on to highlight his government’s achievements in key sectors such as health, agriculture, and defense. He noted improvements in military capacity and support for farmers, including free plowing of agricultural lands.
In closing, the president called for an end to disinformation campaigns and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reform. “These are regrettable falsehoods—but they will not derail our dedication to our people,” he declared.