The System is Broken, Part 2

Trump administration attempts a reset with Burkina Faso

L - Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré, R - US AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley

On June 4, Part One of this ongoing series explained how US AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley targeted Burkina Faso’s young president Ibrahim Traoré with unfounded criticism. Last spring, Langley testified before the Senate that Traroé, who came to power in a 2022 coup d'état, is using Burkina Faso’s gold to keep his regime in power. As we stated, Langley did not acknowledge the monumental task that Traroé and other African leaders are facing while combating US-funded terrorism that is destroying their countries. While Western powers like France and the US have been either hostile to or dismissive of Burkina Faso, US nemeses Russia, China, and North Korea have been more than happy to answer the call.

As we stated, General Langley and his comments received huge backlash throughout Africa, as President Traoré is arguably the most popular African since Nelson Mandela. It would appear that President Trump got the message, as a new AFRICOM Commander has been announced and a US envoy was sent to Burkina Faso to restart conversations between the two nations.

From APA News:

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa, Will Stevens, arrived in Ouagadougou on Tuesday as part of an initiative launched by President Donald Trump to revive diplomatic ties between Washington and Burkina Faso.

During his visit, Stevens conveyed a message from President Trump, expressing the American leader’s intent to “rebuild a strong partnership” between the two nations, according to a statement from the Burkinabè Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following his meeting with Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, the U.S. envoy emphasised America’s commitment to “constructing a pragmatic relationship based on mutual respect and national sovereignty.”

He underscored the need for “close collaboration to tackle shared challenges and strengthen bilateral ties.”

The article goes on to say that the two statesmen discussed “key areas, notably security and trade.”

Continuing with the piece:

Minister Traoré welcomed President Trump’s initiative to send a high-level envoy to gain firsthand insights into the country’s situation. He reiterated Burkina Faso’s aspiration to establish a balanced and respectful partnership, free from patronising narratives.

“We expect a shift in perception, deeper understanding, and a partnership based on equality,” Traoré stated, while criticising the policies of certain global powers—including the U.S.—that hinder access to essential military equipment for countries combating terrorism.

In an article by Burkina Faso News, Minister Traoré is quoted as saying:

"We demand respect. Africa is the same continent as others, and Africans are the same people. We don't want pejorative narratives anymore. The partnership should be equal."

The major themes of mutual respect and combating terrorism dominated the bilateral talks. This is not unlike the conversation between the US and Israel, as President Trump recently assailed Prime Minister Netanyahu during Israel’s war against the Iranian regime.

That said, renewed talks between Washington, DC and Ouagadougou are a welcome sign. It is also crucial that the Trump administration stop all US funding of global terrorism and challenge notorious actors like Qatar, Iran, and Turkey to do the same. IBSI will continue to advocate for those much-needed changes without which there can be no real lasting peace and prosperity for Africa, Israel, and the world.