Burkina Faso’s Traoré Defiant After U.S. Threats of Arrest: “We Either Fight or Remain Slaves Forever”

Burkina Faso’s interim leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has delivered a fiery response to recent threats from the United States, which warned of possible legal action over the military-led government’s rise to power following the 2022 coup.

In a televised address, Traoré rejected the pressure, declaring: “We either agree to fight for our country, or we remain slaves forever.” His remarks reflect rising tensions between Ouagadougou and Washington, and signal a firm stance on national sovereignty in the face of international criticism.

The U.S. has condemned the 2022 coup that ousted former President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, and recently indicated that legal consequences could be considered for officials involved citing democratic backsliding and alleged human rights abuses.

Captain Traoré, however, framed the U.S. position as neocolonial interference, stressing that Burkina Faso’s military and civilian unity is key to confronting terrorism and restoring national stability. “No foreign power will decide the future of our nation,” he said, urging citizens to stand behind the transitional government.

The comments come amid growing anti-Western sentiment in parts of the Sahel, where governments have accused former colonial powers and Western allies of failing to help stabilize the region in the face of mounting jihadist violence.

Burkina Faso, like neighboring Mali and Niger, has seen increasing alignment with alternative international partners notably Russia while distancing itself from traditional Western alliances.

Analysts warn that the rhetoric may signal a broader geopolitical shift in the region, as military-led governments reassert control while challenging Western influence.