U.S. House of Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) / (Credit: meeks.house.gov)
By Gary Raynaldo – DIPLOMATIC TIMES
U.S. Congressional members Thursday condemned the recent military coup in Burkina Faso, saying it is part of a larger, “more alarming picture of anti-democratic movements” in West Africa. Ibrahim Traoré, a 34-year-old army captain, took power in Burkina Faso Friday September 30, forcing out Lt Col Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. This is the second military coup in the eight months to occur in the West African nation. The military, led by Lt Damiba, took power in a January coup. Many Burkina Faso citizens are reportedly weary of the non-stop deadly Islamist violence that President Damiba vowed to eradicate upon taking control of the country.
“We condemn the military coup in Burkina Faso, which represents the country’s second unconstitutional transfer of power in less than a year. This most recent coup is part of a larger, more alarming picture of anti-democratic movements in West Africa that essentially strip citizens of their right to choose their leaders.”
-Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Michael McCaul, Chair and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, statement
Ibrahim Traoré, a 34-year-old army captain, took power in Burkina Faso Friday September 30, forcing out Lt Col Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.
U.S. Congress Concerned Over Russian Oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin Supporting Mercenaries in West Africa
The Chair and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee also said they were “deeply concerned” by reports Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin’s “support for the latest self-declared military leader of Burkina Faso and will continue to press for actions to address against Russian proxies that are destabilizing the region.” Prigozhin, a Russian businessman and a close ally of Vladimir Putin, has admitted that he founded the Wagner Group private military company deploying mercenaries in Africa.
“The United States stands with the Burkinabe people and will continue to support those who work to ensure democracy, accountable and inclusive governance, and durable peace and security.”
-Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Michael McCaul, Chair and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, statement
