Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, summoned European Union Ambassador Philippe Bronchain on Monday, June 22. The minister expressed the government's strong disapproval of a recent EU resolution, which he characterized as "néocolonialiste" (neo-colonialist). Mr. Traoré stated, "Nous avons tenu à convoquer l’ambassadeur de l’Union européenne pour lui faire part de notre désapprobation, de notre déception et surtout du dégoût que cette résolution a suscité en nous." He further added that the resolution had "souillé la sacralité du Parlement européen en tenant un tel discours aux relents néocolonialistes." The summoning occurred on Monday, June 22, and noted the depth of Ouagadougou's displeasure with the European Union's stance.
Minister's Strong Condemnation
The summoning of Ambassador Philippe Bronchain by Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, was a direct response to a European Union resolution concerning the situation of freedom of expression and the fight against terrorism in the West African nation. The Burkinabè Minister asserted that the resolution was "cousu d’informations totalement erronées," meaning it was stitched together with totally erroneous information. Mr. Traoré further stated that Burkina Faso operates with full sovereignty in its domestic policy decisions, emphasizing that the country is not a member of the European Union. This stance shows the government's position on external interference in its internal affairs, firmly stating that the resolution presented a distorted view of the realities on the ground.
Sovereignty and Historical Context
The Minister reaffirmed Ouagadougou's sovereignty concerning public liberties and military strategy. He concluded that the current situation in Burkina Faso is strictly a matter of domestic policy, to be handled without external meddling. The Minister also pointed to the 2011 Western intervention in Libya as a source of the chaos currently affecting the Sahel region. This intervention, he suggested, had destabilized the broader area, leading to long-term security challenges that continue to impact nations like Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso maintains its right to self-determination in addressing internal affairs, including security operations and civil rights. The government's position emphasizes that external bodies should not interfere in these sovereign decisions, particularly given the complex regional dynamics.
EU Parliament Accused
Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, stated that the European Parliament had "totally violated the right of interference" and displayed "contempt" for the efforts undertaken by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Mr. Traoré also accused an unnamed Member of the European Parliament, identified as General Christophe Gomart, of undermining the institution's integrity. The Minister claimed General Gomart had "souillé la sacralité du Parlement européen en tenant un tel discours aux relents néocolonialistes" (soiled the sanctity of the European Parliament by holding such a discourse with neo-colonialist undertones). This accusation noted the perceived disrespect from the European legislative body towards the sovereign actions of the West African nations.
Burkina Faso's Priorities
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are united within the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), according to officials in Ouagadougou. Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré assumed leadership, Burkina Faso's priorities have consistently focused on fighting terrorism, defending sovereignty, and fostering mutual respect. Minister of Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré stated, "Nous avons tenu à convoquer l’ambassadeur de l’Union européenne pour lui faire part de notre désapprobation, de notre déception et surtout du dégoût que cette résolution a suscité en nous." This sentiment shows the government's commitment to these stated national objectives, asserting that the EU resolution directly contradicts the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect that Burkina Faso upholds.