On the 64th anniversary of Burkina Faso’s independence, President Ibrahim Traoré delivered a defiant speech denouncing “imperialists” whom he accused of seeking to exploit the country’s natural wealth and keep its people “in slavery.” Speaking to the nation from Barsalogho, Traoré reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and resources through a strengthened national defense.
In his address, President Traoré emphasized that Burkina Faso’s abundant natural wealth has made the country a target of external powers. “We are victims of our wealth, the wealth that imperialists want to seize at all costs, aiming to keep us in slavery. We will secure it,” he declared, drawing applause from the gathered crowd.
Traoré’s rhetoric aligns with a broader regional shift, where leaders of West African nations have increasingly called for independence from neo-colonial influences. His speech underscored a narrative of resistance, framing Burkina Faso’s economic and security challenges within the context of external exploitation and imperialist ambitions.
The president’s statement comes as the country faces significant political and economic pressure, compounded by ongoing security threats. Traoré pointed to the country’s resilience and history of resistance, affirming Burkina Faso’s determination to stand firm against those seeking to undermine its sovereignty.
To defend Burkina Faso’s independence and secure its natural resources, President Traoré reiterated the need for a well-equipped and robust national defense. “To achieve our goals, the state will work on building a strong army and equipping it properly,” he said. The statement reflects Traoré’s prioritization of security reforms as the country grapples with armed insurgencies and extremist groups.
Since assuming power in September 2022, Traoré has adopted a more assertive approach toward security, vowing to reclaim territories from extremist factions and restore stability. His administration has increased investment in the military and called for greater local involvement in security efforts.
Traoré further announced that all operational units had been instructed to intensify their activities. “We are a proud, fighting, warrior, and dignified people. And we will continue in this direction. All those who dream of seeing Burkina Faso on its knees, hoping to bring us back to slavery, must understand that they have failed,” he affirmed, signaling a no-compromise stance on the country’s territorial integrity.
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