President Traoré Marks Burkina Faso’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Calls for Unity and Self-Determination

On the 65th anniversary of Burkina Faso’s independence from colonial rule, President Captain Ibrahim Traoré delivered a solemn and resolute message to the nation, invoking the country’s rich history, cultural strength, and the sacrifices of its forebears.

In a post shared on his official X account, Traoré called on all Burkinabès to embrace the lessons of the past while looking to the future with determination. He urged citizens to become more aware of,

The richness of our history, the diversity of our cultural expressions, the strength of our unity, and our ability to be the sole masters of our destiny and the future of our country.”

Paying homage to those who fought for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty, Traoré emphasised the sacrifices made by the nation’s founding heroes.

I pay a vibrant tribute to our elders who courageously fought, often at the cost of the ultimate sacrifice, for true independence and for the emancipation of our country,” he said. “Their sacrifice and determination still inspire us today in our commitment to a free and dignified Burkina Faso.”

With the country still navigating security, economic, and political challenges, the President struck a tone of ambition and resilience.

“We must look to the future with ambition, confidence, and determination,” he urged, stressing the need to build a “prosperous, just, and united nation” where all citizens can thrive.

Traoré concluded his message with a rallying cry that has become synonymous with the country’s revolutionary spirit:

THE HOMELAND OR DEATH, WE WILL OVERCOME.

The message, released on the symbolic date of August 5, the day Burkina Faso, then Upper Volta, gained independence from France in 1960, serves as both a commemoration of the past and a reaffirmation of the country’s trajectory under his leadership.

Traoré, who came to power through a military transition in 2022, has consistently emphasised national sovereignty, anti-imperialism, and self-reliance as pillars of Burkina Faso’s development strategy. His Independence Day address underscores those themes at a time when the country continues to redefine its role on the regional and global stage.

Burkina Faso, like many nations in the Sahel, continues to face threats from armed insurgent groups and international pressure over democratic transitions. However, on this national holiday, the focus turned to pride, remembrance, and the promise of a better tomorrow, built on the foundations of unity and hard work.

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