Burkina Faso/ France’s interference in Burkina Faso’s internal affairs: An attack on national sovereignty
Since assuming office on September 30, 2022, President Ibrahim Traoré and Burkina Faso as a whole have had to deal with a series of France’s interventions, highlighting the vulnerability of national sovereignty. During his speech at the UN, Burkinabé Minister Bassolma Bazié raised these concerns, condemning French attempts to dictate the country’s internal policies.
One of the first attempts at interference was France’s effort, through its allies in Africa, to appoint a Prime Minister for Burkina Faso. Fortunately, this attempt failed, showing the Burkinabé government’s determination to protect its right to choose its own leaders. However, the interference didn’t stop there.
France also tried to place ministers in important positions within the Burkinabé government. This move was clearly aimed at influencing Burkina Faso’s policies and decisions, ignoring its sovereignty. Once again, the Burkinabé government resisted these external pressures.
Even more concerning, France linked the continuation of its relations with Burkina Faso to the implementation of decisions it would dictate. This demand is unacceptable and goes against the principles of national sovereignty and political independence. President Ibrahim Traoré bravely refused to produce to France’s demands, prioritizing the best interests of his people.
In response to this refusal, repressive measures, threats, and even coup attempts were planned. These unethical operations were devised behind the scenes by individuals acting as puppets controlled from African presidential offices. Burkina Faso, as a sovereign nation, has the right to determine its own future without being subjected to unfair external pressures.
