Officials from Burkina Faso and Mali criticized Western actions, particularly those of France, in the Sahel region during the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), emphasizing their commitment to self-determination and sovereignty. They voiced concern about France’s interference in the region.
In a speech on Saturday, Burkina Faso’s State Minister, Bassolma Bazié, expressed major concerns over purported French actions.
He accused France of releasing terrorists in the border regions of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and he condemned its alleged attempts to destabilize the region and hinder international financing efforts.
He went on to say: “When Niger, Mali, Burkina Fasso and other countries formed themselves on their shared borders by pooling their forces to confront terrorism, France came from nowhere to impose its instrument which is the G5 Sahel.”
The official summarized by stating simply “Africa’s misfortune is to have encountered France.”
Bazié warned against any military intervention in Niger. He stated unequivocally that any military action in Niger would be awful, underlining, “We have witnessed the disastrous consequences of previous interventions, such as in Libya, authorized by the UN Security Council against the objections of African leaders.”
Also speaking on Saturday, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, praised Burkina Faso’s official views, emphasizing Mali’s determination to take control of its destiny.
He provided a harsh picture of the Sahel’s evolution, saying, “Before a decade of violence, the Sahel was known for peace, unity in society, and living together.”
Diop also criticized France for its “neo-colonial domination” while praising Russia’s growing presence in the Sahel region.
He blamed France of fueling terrorist activity and attempting to block Mali from obtaining loans from regional or multinational financial institutions.
He condemned France’s actions and the Security Council’s inaction, saying, “On 15 August 2022, the Government alerted the Security Council to France’s hostile activities, and — rather than ceasing such activities — that permanent Council member continued with full impunity.”
Diop also asserted that he represents Abdourahmane Tiani, the self-proclaimed Head of State of Niger, who was prevented from speaking at the tribune.
He told the UN General Assembly that any military intervention in Niger would threaten Mali’s security. “We will not sit on our hands.”
The juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso signed a mutual defense pact last week.
The Burkina Fasso army announced the end of French force presence in their territory in February 2023. This follows the departure of the last French troops from in Mali in August 2022.
As for Niger, Emmanuel Macron announced Sunday that their military troops will leave the African country by the end of this year.