Burkina Faso Slams AFRICOM Commander For “Regrettable and Frivolous” Claims About Burkinabe Cooperation With China

The Burkinabè Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation, and Burkinabè Abroad have condemned recent statements made by U.S. General Michael Langley, commander of the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), regarding the country’s management of its mining resources and foreign partnerships.

In a communiqué issued on April 16, the Burkinabè government denounced Langley’s statements as “regrettable” and “gravely inaccurate” during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on April 3.

The general had suggested that Burkina Faso’s mineral revenues and some income from cooperation with China were used to maintain the regime in power rather than benefiting the Burkinabè population.

The Ministry expressed outrage at what it described as unfounded allegations, warning that such assertions not only misrepresent the country’s reality but also damage the image of its government.

The statement criticised Langley for making sweeping claims without presenting evidence and for disregarding the country’s evolving sovereign policy direction.

The Ministry highlighted efforts underway to fight corruption, ensure transparency, and equitably distribute national wealth.

It also pointed to ongoing reforms in key sectors such as agriculture, water, infrastructure, education, and health, asserting that all mining revenues are now channelled into state coffers and subjected to transparent management under the national budget, making Burkina Faso rapidly modernise its armed forces, making it the best-equipped military in the Sahel region.

Also, Burkina Faso’s new military equipment has been sourced from China, Russia, and Turkey—nations with whom it has deepened its defence and economic ties in recent years.

The Ministry concluded with a “formal denial” of Langley’s claims and called for recognition of the country’s commitment to sustainable development and the interests of its people.

Read Also: Burkinabè Government Condemns U.S. General’s Claim That Burkina Faso’s Partnership with Russia Harms Citizens’ Interests

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