Burkina Faso rejects US AFRICOM commander’s “Baseless” Claims about mining revenue

On April 3, 2025, U.S. AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley made unsubstantiated remarks before the U.S. Senate, alleging that Burkina Faso’s mining revenues and Chinese cooperation funds serve “regime protection” rather than public welfare. The claims—delivered without evidence—drew swift condemnation from Ouagadougou.

"Burkina Faso’s Foreign Ministry issued a formal rebuttal, calling the statements “politicized and insulting.” Officials emphasized the country’s ongoing governance reforms under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, including full transparency in mining revenue management and investments in agriculture, education, and infrastructure.

“These accusations ignore Burkina Faso’s sovereign progress,” a government spokesperson noted. “We’re building equitable partnerships—including with China—on our own terms.”

The incident reflects growing tensions as West African nations reject paternalistic narratives.

While Langley’s remarks targeted no specific evidence, they echoed outdated perceptions of African dependency. Burkina Faso’s response made its position clear: this is a nation charting its own course, with dignity."

Burkina Faso rejects US AFRICOM commander’s “Baseless” Claims about mining revenue