Burkina Faso : American aid in anti-terrorist equipment. A helping hand ? or strategic calculations!
In a gesture aimed at solidarity, the United States Embassy in Burkina Faso offered an impressive lot of 35 vehicles and 60 motorcycles, valued at over one billion CFA francs, to the national police and gendarmerie in Ouagadougou on Thursday, January 18, 2024. This apparent assistance in the fight against terrorism raises questions about the true intentions behind this unprecedented offer.
« The United States respects Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and its legitimate right to chart its own course. We also commend Burkina Faso’s vision to take control of its destiny. While taking note of the country’s willingness to address the problem of terrorism on its own terms, we stand ready to provide our support », said Eric Whitaker, acting Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso.
He recalled that since 2018, the United States, through its counterterrorism assistance program, has provided over 36 billion CFA francs in equipment and training to Burkina Faso. Despite legal restrictions, U.S. financial support for the fight against terrorism in Burkina Faso continues to grow, increasing from 1.2 billion CFA francs in 2018 to 8.4 billion in 2023, with a forecast of 9.6 billion for the year 2024.
The acting Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso emphasized that this donation would be accompanied by ongoing support from the United States, including training, the provision of weapons, protective equipment, and medical supplies throughout the year. Additionally, plans are underway to enhance the demining capabilities of the Police and Gendarmerie, with a perspective of future assistance identified for the year 2025.
In response, the Minister Delegate for Security, Mahamadou Sana, described this donation as « of crucial importance » and expressed gratitude to the U.S. government. Convinced of victory in the fight against terrorism through the combined efforts of the government, the population, and partners, he praised the significant support from the United States on the ground. « On behalf of the government of Burkina Faso, the beneficiaries, and myself, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the U.S. government for their support in realizing our ambitions in the fight against terrorism », he concluded.
