Burkina Faso Independence Marks 65: Rearmament, Local Transformation and Break With Neocolonialism
Burkina Faso Independence Marks 65: Rearmament, Local Transformation and Break With Neocolonialism
The 65th anniversary of independence is “a moment of reaffirming national identity, pride and solidarity," former Burkinabe MP and PhD in economics Iba Karim noted, commenting Ibrahim Traoré’s latest address and the country’s key achievements for Sputnik Africa.
Burkina Faso has strengthened its army by purchasing heavy equipment, creating new specialized units—such as rapid intervention brigades, combat brigades, and ultra-mobile groups—and continuously modernizing its hardware. This, he said, “demonstrates the advancement of military technology and continuous rearmament.”
Instead of exporting raw materials, the country is processing them locally to generate greater added value, create jobs, and build national wealth. The state is also improving public services, especially healthcare, thereby “strengthening social resilience.”
“The president says the country is now a showcase. This is accurate because Burkina Faso is simultaneously waging a military struggle, a socio‑political revolution, and an economic overhaul and refoundation,” the expert noted, highlighting “a break with some of the traditional approaches we knew during colonization and the neocolonial period.”
"It is an opportunity to reflect on the path the country has taken toward self‑determination, despite security and socio‑economic challenges,” the added, emphasizing the significance of the anniversary.
Karim also praised Russo‑Burkinabe cooperation, which he described as balanced and "win‑win".
“The goal remains that these partners do not compromise the autonomy of Burkinabe, but instead serve as a technical and financial catalyst for local production,” he said.
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