AFRICOM chief defends criticism of Burkina Faso’s Traoré amid rising terror threats

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) chief, General Michael Langley, has stood by his controversial remarks criticizing Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, for insufficient counter-terrorism efforts — clarifying that his comments were rooted in military concerns, not political interference.
Speaking in Nairobi ahead of a regional defense conference, Langley explained that his earlier statements — highlighting Burkina Faso’s underinvestment in anti-terror operations — were “military-to-military” observations. He stressed that Burkina Faso is at the “epicenter” of terrorism in West Africa, with groups like ISIS, JNIM, and al-Qaeda gaining ground. Langley warned of the escalating terrorism threat in Burkina Faso, adding that “the statement was to illuminate that more resources need to go to the broader problem of terrorism across the country.” The controversy began after Langley told the U.S. Senate in April that Traoré had used national gold reserves to secure his regime rather than support public welfare or security. Critics accused the U.S. of overreach and disrespecting Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.
In response, Langley clarified that his remarks were not meant to question the country’s autonomy. “Burkina Faso, like any nation, has the right to determine its own security and partnerships,” he said. Despite growing tensions — especially after Burkina Faso’s tilt toward non-Western allies — Langley expressed hope for continued cooperation, emphasizing shared goals in defeating terrorism. “Progress is happening, but more must be done,” he concluded. Captain Traoré earlier rejected the accusations, referring to them as part of a broader campaign of propaganda and neocolonial meddling aimed at destabilizing his government.