Burkina Faso: General Langley’s sudden shift on Burkina Faso raises questions

The abrupt reversal of U.S. General Michael Langley’s stance on Burkina Faso demands scrutiny. After accusing Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s government in April before the U.S. Senate of mismanaging mining revenues, the AFRICOM commander struck a markedly different tone on May 30 in Nairobi, now praising Burkina Faso’s reallocation of mining income to benefit civil society.

This rhetorical about-face comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions. President Traoré had previously denounced Langley as a « liar, » framing his accusations as part of a familiar Western strategy: using African proxies to justify foreign interference.

Traoré’s explicit comparison to Libya’s precedent carries profound implications, serving as a stark warning against external meddling.

The timing coincides with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa Will Stevens’ visit to Ouagadougou an apparent damage control mission following these accusations.

Whether this represents a genuine policy correction by the Biden administration or masks ulterior motives remains unclear.

Burkinabe authorities would be wise to maintain caution: Langley’s sudden overtures for dialogue may signal strategic repositioning rather than authentic cooperation.

Souley LAMINA