The Economic Fighters League (EFL), a Pan-Africanist organization based in Ghana, has praised Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership in Burkina Faso, characterizing his actions as a significant departure from colonial economic frameworks.
Amodani Gariba, the EFL’s Commander for Political Education, highlighted that Traoré’s leadership embodies more than just a coup; it represents a substantial shift towards economic autonomy.
During an appearance on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Monday, May 19, he compared Burkina Faso’s current path to the early post-independence optimism of the 1950s and 1960s, a time when African leaders sought self-determination and economic freedom.
“We perceive the developments in Burkina Faso under Captain Ibrahim Traoré as a revolution. It transcends a simple coup; it is a revolution in progress, and through the lens of classic Nkrumahist analysis, we regard Burkina Faso as a contested space,” Gariba remarked.
He observed that under Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso is transitioning from being an ‘enemy-held zone’—a condition where economic decisions are dictated by foreign powers—to a nation that is regaining authority over its resources and economic strategies. Gariba commented on Traoré’s attempts to redefine the economic relationship between Burkina Faso and France, another imperialist nation.
He emphasized Traoré’s initiatives to nationalize essential industries, including gold mining, and to enhance local processing capabilities, which are aimed at diminishing reliance on foreign entities.
Gariba stated, ‘This is invigorating for us because, historically, since gaining independence, Burkina Faso has been compelled to enter into agreements with France that required them to relinquish significant economic control for 60 years.
We are witnessing a promising departure from this pattern. Furthermore, we observe his efforts to nationalize mines and pursue industrialization, all aligned with our vision of Economic Freedom for Africa.
We believe that his actions will ultimately contribute to the economic independence of Burkina Faso.’
