“Africa Will Not Kneel”: Traoré Charts New Path for Burkina Faso in Historic RT Interview

Traoré’s comments come as the Council of Ministers convened in Ouagadougou on May 14, chaired by the President himself. The meeting focused on internal reforms, deepening cooperation with Russia, and affirming the national revolutionary framework known as the Révolution Progressiste Populaire (RPP).

“We are building a new Burkina — free from imperial control”

During the RT interview, Traoré reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s strategic realignment, explicitly denouncing Western interference in African affairs. He particularly criticized the legacy of NATO’s 2011 intervention in Libya, holding former U.S. President Barack Obama responsible for the continent’s prolonged instability.

"Libya is what it is today because of Obama. That war destabilized our entire region… Today, they want to do the same to Burkina Faso. But we are ready. We will not kneel."

He went further, denouncing General Michael Langley, head of U.S. AFRICOM, for alleging that Traoré is stockpiling gold for personal protection.

"There was no gold reserve before we came. We started building it for the Burkinabè Treasury. Everything in this land belongs to the people. We don’t need America’s approval."

Strategic Alliance with Russia: “This is a new world order”

Traoré’s visit to Moscow to attend the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazism marked a symbolic affirmation of Burkina Faso’s Eastward pivot. “We are here not just for a celebration, but for what it represents — the victory of a new world,” he said, after attending commemorations and reviewing a military parade featuring the T-34 tanks and the new Oreshnik system.

On the sidelines, Traoré confirmed that Burkina Faso is deepening defense, education, and economic ties with Russia.

"Our cooperation with Russia is strong — especially in science, military industry, and education. We want to build our own universities based on the Russian model. Our students must learn here, but we must also build systems at home."

Domestic Reforms: Agriculture, Mines, and National Production

Back home, Traoré detailed bold reforms aimed at restructuring the economy through agriculture, mining, and industrial transformation.

• Agricultural Offensive: Fields are now cultivated free of charge using state-deployed tractors and mechanized cells.

• Water Management Strategy: New agencies are controlling irrigation to enable multi-season farming.

• Mining Sovereignty: Burkina Faso is reclaiming and developing mining permits to allow indigenous exploitation of its gold and mineral wealth.

• Industrial Development: Local processing is prioritized to stop exporting raw materials and boost domestic production.

"We don’t want to export cotton and import T-shirts. That ends now. We are training engineers to operate our own factories."

Education as a Weapon for Sovereignty

Traoré emphasized that science education is essential to Burkina Faso’s sovereignty, and Russia is playing a key role:

"We need engineers, technicians — not just soldiers. If we are to build, we must learn from Russia’s experience in physics, chemistry, and mathematics."

He revealed ongoing discussions to increase Burkinabè student placements in Russian universities, while fast-tracking the creation of Burkina-based technical universities.

Security and Foreign Fighters: “Imperialism hides behind terrorism”

In stark terms, Traoré warned that Burkina Faso and the Sahel region are under siege — not just by terrorists, but by proxy imperialism.

"Many fighters in our territory are not from Burkina Faso. They are trained and armed by foreign interests. This is not terrorism. This is strategy — to keep us in eternal war, prevent development, and control our land."

Despite the challenges, he claimed notable progress.

"Since 2023, we have recovered many zones. But we are in a war of generations. Our youth are now mobilized not just to fight, but to build."

People’s Mobilization: A United Front

Contributions to the Fonds de Soutien Patriotique (FSP) continue to pour in. The Burkina Chamber of Commerce recently donated 50 million FCFA, adding to earlier support of 100 million, food aid, and logistics to bolster internal security and assist displaced communities.

"This is not Traoré’s fight alone," a government spokesperson said. "This is the fight of a nation, a people who refuse to be recolonized."

The Bigger Picture: Burkina and the Sahel Realignment

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are now openly collaborating under anti-French and anti-Western security frameworks, often referred to as the “Sahel Alliance.” Western diplomats have warned of growing Russian and Chinese influence, but leaders like Traoré insist:

"This is not about Russia or China. It is about African dignity. We welcome partners — not masters."

Closing Words from Traoré

"If someone is recruited to fight Burkina Faso, he must prefer suicide. Because we are not just defending our country. We are defending our future, our children, and our pride. And we will not lose."

Reported by Cameroon Concord – Sahel & Security Affairs Desk

If you need this version split into CMS-friendly sections for modular display (intro, interview, reforms, security), I can prepare those separately. Would you like that now?