The Black Alliance for Peace and the U.S. Out of Africa Network have called for unified global support in defending Burkina Faso against U.S. imperialistic actions following unfounded accusations against its interim President. This moment is seen as critical for African self-determination and a counter to previous failures in resisting imperialist interventions, particularly after the events in Libya in 2011.
In a recent statement, the Black Alliance for Peace’s (BAP) Africa Team alongside the U.S. Out of Africa Network (USOAN) called for immediate solidarity in defense of Burkina Faso against growing external aggressions. This urgency stems from U.S. AFRICOM Commander Michael Langley’s unfounded claims made during a Senate session, in which he accused interim President Ibrahim Traoré of misusing the nation’s mineral wealth. Notably, Langley provided no evidence or context for these allegations, which raises significant skepticism about their validity.
This tactic seems familiar within the context of imperialist actions—where a leader is demonized as a justification for intervention. Ernesto Yeboah, a prominent figure in the Economic Fighters League of Ghana and part of the USOAN, emphasized that the underlying issue is not simply about military versus civilian rule but rather imperial forces against liberation movements in Africa. “This is about Africans standing up–finally–and saying: Hands off Africa,” he stated.
The BAP and USOAN’s call to arms mirrors a broader call across the African continent to unite against what they perceive as imperial threats to Burkina Faso. They are particularly urging anti-imperialists worldwide, especially within Black communities, to vocalize their opposition against these concerning developments. Reflecting on the past, they recalled how a lack of organized resistance in 2011 allowed imperialist forces to devastate Libya.
The intermission of silence by organizations such as ECOWAS, the African Union, and certain political entities within the African diaspora must be scrutinized, according to BAP. There is recognition that this moment is critical in addressing imperialism’s resurgence in Africa. The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and Burkina Faso’s quest for self-determination represents a significant stride toward Pan-Africanism—an effort that Western powers, particularly the U.S. and NATO, are keen to undermine.
Under Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso is reportedly making strides toward food sovereignty and is in the process of establishing its own gold refinery. Such measures have gathered attention, and recent accusations from AFRICOM appear to be aimed at destabilizing these achievements. The emphasis from U.S. officials on “strategic interests” is a thin veil for the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources without local consent—an action being heightened amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
BAP and USOAN assert that all anti-imperialist forces should not only defend Burkina Faso actively but also demand the removal of AFRICOM from African soil. The reminders from the past should galvanize action to prevent any similar fate that befell Libya from transpiring again. In these turbulent times, the message is clear: the urgency to act and stand united against imperialism cannot be overstated.
In essence, the recent statements from the BAP and USOAN highlight the escalating aggression toward Burkina Faso amid its efforts for self-determination. They urge immediate action from anti-imperialist forces to unite against the narrative being crafted to justify intervention. The situation underscores a vital period for Africa, where solidarity is needed to protect against external exploitation and to ensure the strides made toward liberation and sovereignty remain intact.
Original Source: mronline.org
