The Burkinabè president of the transition, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, estimated on Saturday during his message to the Nation delivered on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the accession to independence of Burkina, that his country is not totally independent because of its economy, which is « in its infancy » and the occupation of part of the territory by « terrorists ».
“Our independence is not acquired, because our lands are occupied. Our economy is in its infancy and our hands are tied », he indicated, before announcing that « the fight for total independence began a few weeks ago », probably since his accession to power, on September 30, following a coup that overthrew Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.
According to him, « this fight necessarily involves arms, but also through our values, our behavior and the recovery of our economy ».
“The battle against the enemy who occupies our lands is beginning,” said the president who promised to reconquer the territory occupied by “these hordes of terrorists”. Some 40% of the area of the country is controlled by armed groups.
The president invited his compatriots to « more sacrifices » and to « remain confident, united, mobilized » behind the defense forces and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland of Security (VDP, civilian auxiliaries of the army). As a reminder, following a recruitment campaign, 90,000 civilians registered to join the VDP. In any case, for Traoré, it is up to the Burkinabè to fight and “liberate the lands of Burkina Faso”.
From an economic point of view, the battle will involve the fight against corruption. “Our fight will only end when all the children of Burkina Faso have enough to eat and sleep peacefully in their country. We are committed to this and this fight, we will lead it, ”he assured.
Burkina Faso has been dealing with so-called jihadist violence since 2015, which has left thousands dead and millions displaced..
By OMA Newsletter N° 973 of 12/12/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
