Thousands rally in Burkina Faso to support junta leader amid US criticism
Protesters denounce American general’s remarks, vow to defend President Traoré against foreign pressure
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (MNTV) — Thousands of people gathered in Burkina Faso’s capital on Wednesday in a major demonstration backing transitional President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, following critical comments by a top US military official.
The protesters, carrying placards and blowing whistles, expressed outrage over remarks by General Michaël Langley, head of the United States Africa Command.
Langley had accused Traoré of exploiting the country’s mining resources for the benefit of the military leadership rather than the population.
Another protester, Haroun Sawadogo, drew parallels to the 1987 assassination of revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara, warning, “What happened to Captain Sankara will not happen to Captain Traoré. We will go all the way to defend our President.”
The protest came just days after military authorities claimed to have uncovered a plot to overthrow the government, raising tensions in the West African nation.
The rally also drew participation from high-level officials, including Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, who told demonstrators, “The time has come to never again kneel before the world. May the people of Burkina Faso free themselves once and for all, and may the people of the Sahel free themselves permanently.”
Supporters reportedly traveled from across the country, marking the largest pro-junta rally since Traoré assumed power in a September 2022 coup.
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