2024-07-11 17:37:55
A diplomatic storm threatens to engulf West Africa. As reported by 237online.com, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, head of the Burkinabe junta, has just launched new explosive accusations against his Ivorian and Beninese neighbors. These incendiary statements risk further destabilizing a region already weakened by coups d’état and the terrorist threat.
Burkina Faso accuses its neighbours of plotting against it
In a long speech lasting more than an hour and a half, Ibrahim Traoré did not mince his words. He directly pointed the finger at Côte d’Ivoire, accusing it of hosting “a center of operations to destabilize” Burkina Faso. “We have nothing against the Ivorian people, but we have something with those who run Ivory Coast” he said, promising to provide “physical evidence” of these allegations.
Benin in Ouagadougou’s sights
Benin has not been spared from the wrath of Captain Traoré. The head of the Burkinabe junta claims that his neighbor is harboring “two French bases” in its northern part, which he describes as “terrorist operations center” regularly striking Burkina Faso. Serious accusations, rejected by both Paris and Cotonou.
The Alliance of Sahel States: a new regional bloc that is causing concern
These statements come in a tense regional context. Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, all three led by military regimes, have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This confederation, which left ECOWAS in January, worries its neighbors and the international community.
France, the junta’s favourite scapegoat
Ibrahim Traoré, who has made sovereignty his hobbyhorse, has never stopped criticizing the former colonial power. He particularly accuses Côte d’Ivoire of still being an ally of Paris, thus fueling diplomatic tensions.
A radical economic shift in sight?
Beyond security issues, Traoré’s speech announces a change of economic direction. We will recover our operating permits and exploit our own minerals.”he said, targeting the gold sector in particular.
Freedom of expression in danger?
Even more worrying, the junta leader expressed his wish to “Reframe communication” around Burkina Faso. “We will not allow the Burkinabe to communicate against Burkina Faso”he warned, raising the specter of a restriction on freedom of expression.
This verbal escalation by Captain Traoré risks further isolating Burkina Faso on the international stage. As the country faces a growing terrorist threat, this strategy of tension with its neighbors could prove counterproductive. West Africa is holding its breath, fearing that these accusations could degenerate into open conflict.