The Black Alliance for Peace and U.S. Out of Africa Network are rallying support for Burkina Faso amidst accusations from U.S. AFRICOM Commander Michael Langley. They warn against imperialist interference and emphasize the importance of unity in defending the country’s progress towards self-determination and resource sovereignty under President Ibrahim Traoré.
In a renewed call to action, the Black Alliance for Peace (BAP) and the U.S. Out of Africa Network (USOAN) are urging anti-imperialists to rally in defense of Burkina Faso. Tensions have reportedly increased against nations within the anti-imperialist Alliance of Sahel States. Notably, accusations have been leveled against interim President Ibrahim Traoré by U.S. AFRICOM Commander Michael Langley, who suggested without evidence that Traoré is improperly utilizing the nation’s gold resources in exchange for protection. However, no specifics were given regarding these alleged exchanges or the protection needed.
This pattern of behavior seems to fit the familiar imperialist strategy of discrediting leaders in a nation, using these claims as justifications for potential military intervention. Ernesto Yeboah, a commander with Ghana’s Economic Fighters League, counters the framing that pits military governance against civilian authority, stating that the real conflict lies between imperialism and liberation. Yeboah asserts that this moment calls for unity and a staunch rejection of external interference in African affairs.
Responding to the escalating rhetoric, BAP and USOAN emphasized the importance of collective action among anti-imperialist forces worldwide. They draw parallels with past scenarios where inaction allowed for devastating consequences, such as the U.S.-led campaign against Libya in 2011. They pledge to avoid repeating such mistakes amidst the rising tensions surrounding Burkina Faso, where activists believe imperialist will may be coalescing for a similar dismantling of sovereignty.
The current situation, BAP argues, necessitates attention from regional bodies including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, which they accuse of complicity through silence. They are calling for global support for Burkina Faso and the Alliance of Sahel States, positing that this marks a watershed moment in the Pan-Africanism movement. Any attempt by the U.S. and NATO to destabilize this progress would be seen as a vicious effort to regain control over the continent’s resources and deny African agency.
Under Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso has made strides towards food sovereignty, initiated the refining of its gold domestically, and is reclaiming its resources to serve its population. This is a significant progression for a nation that has historically faced exploitation. However, BAP warns that AFRICOM’s broad accusations are mere smokescreens aimed at eroding these achievements while masking the underlying imperialist agenda.
The emphasis now is on pushing back against the narrative that portrays U.S. and NATO actions as benevolent. BAP and USOAN are imploring all anti-imperialist advocates to mobilize in support of Burkina Faso, calling for the dismissal of AFRICOM from Africa altogether. In their view, it is crucial to prevent any African nation from facing a fate similar to Libya’s invasion a decade prior.
The moment is indeed pressing and action-oriented. The consequences of inaction could be dire; hence, the call for solidarity and resilience within the anti-imperialist community is loud and clear.
The Black Alliance for Peace and the U.S. Out of Africa Network have sounded the alarm regarding the escalating pressure on Burkina Faso by imperialist entities. They call upon all anti-imperialist forces to unite and publicly oppose the unjust attacks on the noble efforts of Burkina Faso under President Ibrahim Traoré. The need for collective action and vigilance has never been more pronounced as Burkina Faso showcases a model for decolonization and self-determination in Africa.
Original Source: mronline.org
