A deep dive into the claims that Capt. Ibrahim Traoré is being set up for a Gaddafi-style removal from power.
US General Wild Accusation
A firestorm of criticism has erupted across Africa following remarks by U.S. General Michael Langley, head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), accusing Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, of misusing the country’s gold reserves for personal protection rather than national benefit.
The comments were made during a recent U.S. Senate hearing, where General Langley alleged that Traoré had diverted vital national resources for his own security interests. The statement, swiftly picked up by African media and social platforms, has drawn sharp backlash from citizens, activists, and commentators across the continent.
Many Africans took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their outrage, accusing the U.S. of meddling in the sovereign affairs of African nations and displaying double standards in its foreign policy.
“Shameless black man,” wrote one user in response to Langley’s comments, referencing the irony of an African-American general criticising an African leader in a manner many saw as patronising and neo-colonial.
Another user, @ABWuni78, wrote, “We knew something like this was definitely going to come from the Americans. But guess what, we’re prepared for you this time. Also, how is it your business what African leaders do with their natural resources?”
A chorus of voices questioned why the U.S. remains silent on the historic and ongoing exploitation of African resources by multinational corporations and foreign governments, while suddenly raising concerns when African leaders assert control over their wealth.
“They want Africans to be beggars and nothing more. May Traoré succeed against all odds,” wrote @UsGarba, echoing sentiments of Pan-African solidarity and resistance.
Traoré, who came to power through a military-led transition in 2022, has positioned himself as a defender of national sovereignty, drawing both support and scrutiny for his tough stance against foreign influence, especially from former colonial powers and Western institutions.
The backlash also reflects growing resentment in many African countries over what is seen as paternalistic attitudes from the West. Critics argue that such remarks reinforce a narrative that African leaders cannot be trusted to govern or manage resources without external oversight.
Some have likened Langley’s role to that of a modern-day enforcer of Western interests on the continent.
“An Uncle Tom in uniform,” one user remarked, while another declared, “This is why you should never regard Americans as Africans.”
Neither General Langley nor AFRICOM has issued a response to the online backlash as of Tuesday morning. The government of Burkina Faso has also not officially responded to the allegations.
Observers say the controversy comes at a delicate time, as several West African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have seen military-led governments push back against foreign military presence and influence, especially that of France and the United States.
With tensions between African military regimes and Western powers continuing to rise, Langley’s remarks may further strain relations and bolster anti-imperialist sentiments gaining momentum across the continent.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a South African leftist political party, have strongly rejected recent U.S. Senate allegations against Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
