After facing intense scrutiny and backlash following his initial comments about Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, General Michael Langley, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has finally taken back his comments.
During a recent interview on Kenyan television with journalist Yvonne Okwara, Langley attempted to clarify his stance.
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He acknowleded positive developments in Burkina Faso despite earlier criticisms. He also praised Traire for the job he was doing.
During the interview, Langley stated, “There are a lot of great things going on [in Burkina Faso] to progress them forward,” marking a significant shift from his earlier position.
Langley’s initial remarks, made on April 3, 2025, suggested that Traoré was misusing the country’s gold reserves for personal protection rather than for public welfare.
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These comments triggered widespread condemnation across Africa, with many viewing them as an affront to Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and a misrepresentation of Traoré’s efforts to combat jihadist insurgency.
Recently, Langley also clarified and defended the purpose which led to the presence of the US in Burkina saying they went there to “rescue the country.”