The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a South African leftist political party, have strongly rejected recent U.S. Senate allegations against Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
- The EFF strongly rejects recent U.S. Senate allegations against Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré
- General Langley, Commander of AFRICOM, alleged that Burkina Faso’s mineral revenues were being used to sustain the ruling military regime
- The Burkinabè government strongly condemned General Langley’s remarks, describing them as ‘regrettable’ and ‘gravely inaccurate’
The U.S. Senate during a hearing by a representative of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), accused Traoré of diverting Burkina Faso’s gold reserves for personal security rather than for the welfare of his people, an accusation the EFF has outrightly rejected.
The EFF has denounced this claim as a blatant imperialist tactic aimed at destabilizing a sovereign African state that is asserting control over its natural resources.
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In a statement issued via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the EFF stated: “We condemn the West’s continued interference in African nations’ affairs and their attempts to control our resources. The EFF supports Captain Traoré’s efforts to reclaim Burkina Faso’s gold for the benefit of its people and to resist neo-colonial pressures.”
The EFF described the U.S. allegations as part of a broader pattern of Western meddling in African governance, warning that such narratives are designed to delegitimize leaders who reject foreign domination.
Reaffirming its support for Traoré, the party praised his commitment to redirecting national gold revenues toward security and development goals.
The EFF emphasized that African countries must maintain the sovereign right to determine how their resources are utilized without external interference.
It concluded by calling on other African nations to stand together in resisting neo-colonial efforts to dictate internal policies from abroad.
US AFRICOM’s statement on Burkina Faso
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on April 3, 2025, General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), delivered the Command’s 2025 posture statement, emphasizing the strategic importance of the African continent to U.S. national security.
While responding to a question from Senator Roger Wicker about corruption and bribery linked to trade with China, General Langley alleged that Burkina Faso’s mineral revenues, along with some financial flows from Chinese cooperation, were being used to sustain the ruling military regime, rather than benefiting the Burkinabè population.
“Absolutely, Chairman. I see this, and I don’t mind calling it out,” Langley said. “Captain [Ibrahim] Traoré in Burkina Faso… their gold reserves are just in exchange to protect the junta regime.”
Addressing broader concerns about Chinese and Russian influence in Africa, Langley stated that the Chinese Communist Party is seeking to use the continent as a platform to expand its global dominance, while Russia exploits instability and chaos to extend its reach.
“In order to protect our homeland and United States interests, we must deter these nations and their malign actors from their goals on the African continent,” he said
Burkina Faso responds
In a communiqué issued on April 16, the Burkinabè government strongly condemned the U.S general’s remarks, describing them as “regrettable” and “gravely inaccurate.”
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage over what it called unfounded allegations, warning that such statements not only distort the country’s reality but also undermine the credibility of its leadership.
It criticized General Langley for making sweeping claims without evidence and for failing to acknowledge Burkina Faso’s evolving sovereign policy direction.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption, promoting transparency, and equitably distributing national resources, asserting that these ongoing reforms reflect its dedication to serving the Burkinabè people.
