Ibrahim Traoré, the President of Burkina Faso, has delivered a powerful message that resonates far beyond the borders of his nation. He’s issued a strong warning to Donald Trump concerning Black Americans, coupled with an impassioned plea for African unity. It’s a message rooted in global Black consciousness and the urgent need for pan-Africanism. Why is this message so important? Because understanding both the warning and the call for unity is essential to addressing the problems facing people of African descent worldwide.
Traoré's Condemnation of Trump's Rhetoric
At the heart of Traoré’s message is the belief that a united Africa is essential for survival and for overcoming neo-colonialism. He envisions a continent led by “awoken minds” – minds free from the shackles of colonization and slavery. These are leaders who understand the importance of unity and are dedicated to breaking free from the legacy of exploitation. Only then can Africa truly thrive.
What are the attributes of these “awoken minds?” They must:
- Prioritize the well-being of their people.
- Reject the influence of Western powers.
- Embrace collaboration and mutual support.
- Cultivate a shared vision for the future of Africa.
A united Africa is the only way to counteract the forces that seek to divide and exploit the continent.
800 Years of Exploitation: The West's Unchanged Relationship with Africa
Traoré makes a startling claim: the West’s economic relationship with Africa hasn’t fundamentally changed in 800 years. It remains ruthlessly extractive, with Africa providing raw materials while the West profits from manufacturing and selling finished goods back to Africa. This cycle perpetuates dependence and prevents Africa from developing its own industrial base.
Consider this: Roughly 70% of exports to Africa are manufactured goods. Meanwhile, imports from Africa are primarily raw materials. This imbalance highlights the unequal terms of trade that have persisted for centuries.
What would happen if Africa manufactured its own goods? The impact would be transformative. The continent could create jobs, boost its economy, and reduce its reliance on foreign powers.
Yet, the West actively works to prevent Africa from establishing its own manufacturing base, ensuring that the continent remains a source of
cheap resources.
As Traoré so powerfully states, “Africa is the foundation upon which they built their house.”
The Illusion of Western Supremacy
Traoré boldly asserts that the West’s claim to superiority is based on the “vicious pillage and plunder of Africa.” The wealth that Western nations boast was “primarily derived from theft and plunder, from piracy and slavery, from mass murder and crime.”
A high standard of living and technological advancement, he argues, do not equate to moral or intellectual superiority. The West’s prosperity is built on the backs of those they’ve exploited.
“Keeping Africa subject, subordinate, suppressed, and impoverished is an existential need for the West,” Traoré declares. Without the exploitation of Africa, the West’s economic and political dominance would crumble.
Why the West Fears BRICS
Traoré highlights why “very powerful factions in the West want to destroy BRICS.” BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) represents a potential challenge to the established world order. It offers African nations an alternative to Western dominance.
The West also “fear-mongers about Chinese investment in Africa,” viewing it as a threat to their own economic interests. The United States, Traoré claims, is engaged in “non-stop interference, covert operations, regime change, regime infiltration projects all across the continent.”
He points to South Africa as an example. The African National Congress (ANC), he argues, collaborated with neoliberal programs for decades,
opening the door for Western influence. The rise of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Government of National Unity (GNU) further solidifies this control.
Introspection and Action: Breaking Free from Fear
Traoré challenges Africans to engage in serious introspection. Why, he asks, do Africans have coups instead of emulating China’s model of development? He suggests that Africans are too often “greedy” and “selfish” to work together for the common good.
He recounts the story of Willie Lynch and The Making of a Slave, illustrating how fear was intentionally instilled in Africans to maintain their subjugation. This fear, he argues, has led to a “genetic mutation of sheer stupidity,” programming Africans to be afraid and to tolerate injustices that no other people would accept.
To combat these ingrained fears and promote unity, Traoré urges action.
Empowering the Youth: Africa's Hope
raoré places great emphasis on the role of young people. “The students, you are our future,” he declares. These “awoken” individuals are rejecting lies and seeking the truth. They hold the key to Africa’s future.
He challenges South Africa to lead the way, to stand up and say “enough is enough.” But leadership alone isn’t enough. Citizens must also believe in themselves, stand up for what’s right, and reclaim their power.
Quotes That Inspire: Reclaiming the Narrative
Traoré acknowledges the bitterness felt by many in the diaspora towards those in Africa, stemming from the history of the slave trade. He emphasizes the need for candid discussions about the past, recognizing that division only perpetuates further problems. He also notes that those outside of Africa have been fed misinformation about the continent.
If you believe the continent can get changed, then come to the motherland and be the change.
The Ongoing Exploitation: The Case of Congo
Traoré highlights the ongoing exploitation of Congo as a prime example of the challenges facing Africa. The country’s vast mineral wealth (gold, diamonds, etc.) has made it a target for Western powers, who benefit from its instability.
Chaos and conflict are sponsored to maintain control and access to resources. Traoré suggests that even diseases like Ebola may have been manufactured in laboratories to further destabilize the region.
He condemns the Western puppets in Africa who enable this exploitation.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Africa's Future
Ibrahim Traoré’s message is a powerful call to action. He challenges Africans to confront their past, embrace unity, and reclaim their future. He urges the diaspora to return to the motherland and contribute to its development. It’s a message of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief in Africa’s potential.
This is Africa and we are African, Africa is our business. It’s our time to unite, take action, and build a better future for all.
