Burkina Faso / France: H.E. Kyelem de Tambela frames the French Ambassador
The Prime Minister, Mr. Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambela received the French Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Mr. Luc Hallade. This audience is a first since the head of the Burkinabe government took office. On the agenda of the exchanges between the two personalities, the military and civilian cooperation between France and Burkina Faso and the security situation in Burkina Faso.
The Prime Minister addressed the Head of the French diplomatic mission without any double talk. “It has been six years that Burkina Faso has been cornered and nobody is moved by it”, said Me Kyelem de Tambela who reminded Ambassador Hallade that his country showed a different solicitude when it came to helping Ukraine in the recent conflict with Russia.
For the Prime Minister, this attitude of France questions the frankness of the relations of friendship and cooperation that bind our two countries. Mr. Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambela could not be clearer: “Burkinabè are looking for a lifeline for their country; and if this lifeline must come from another country other than France, why not?
The Head of Government also stressed that the efforts of partners must focus on the deep aspirations of the Burkinabe people, a people committed to defending themselves for freedom, against barbarism and terrorism. This is the justification for the launch of the recruitment operation of 50,000 Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), he explained.
On this last point, His Excellency indicated that France could help this popular resistance by providing arms and ammunition and also by taking into account the financial support of the brave fighters.
The French ambassador informed the Head of Government of his concerns regarding the impossibility for French NGOs based in Burkina Faso to travel to the field for their activities. He also referred to the demonstrations at the French embassy, demanding the departure of the Special Forces from Burkina.
“This is why you must help us to have the necessary equipment to defeat terrorism,” the Prime Minister said of the impossibility for French NGOs to work.
In the case of the departure or retention of the French Special Forces, His Excellency indicated that all options were on the table.
Mr Luc Hallade mentioned the possibility of organising joint missions between French and Burkinabe forces under the command of a Burkinabe officer.
