Burkina Faso: US aid for anti-terrorist equipment. A helping hand? or strategic calculations
In a gesture of solidarity, the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso has donated an impressive fleet 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. While presented as assistance in the fight against terrorism, this unprecedented offer raises questions about the true intentions behind the donation.
«The United States respects Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and its legitimate right to chart its own course. We also commend Burkina Faso’s vision of taking control of its destiny. While noting the country’s willingness to address the terrorism issue on its own terms, we stand ready to provide support», said Eric Whitaker, the Charge d’Affaires a.i of the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso.
He recalled that since 2018, the United States, through its counter-terrorism assistance program, has granted over 36 billion CFA francs in equipment and training to Burkina Faso.
Despite legal restrictions, U.S. financial support for the anti-terrorism effort in Burkina Faso continues to grow, increasing from 1.2 billion CFA francs in 2018 to 8.4 billion in 2023, with a projection of 9.6 billion for the year 2024.
The Charge d’Affaires a.i of the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso emphasized that this donation would be accompanied by ongoing U.S. support, 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, deemed this donation «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 applauded the significant support from the United States on the ground.
«On behalf of the government of Burkina Faso, on behalf of the beneficiaries, and on my own behalf, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the U.S. government for their support in realizing our ambitions to combat terrorism», he concluded.
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Moussa KAFOU
