A Twitter user has voiced strong support for Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré, responding to recent criticisms from a U.S. general regarding Traoré’s decision to nationalize the country’s gold reserves. The user emphatically stated, “Not This Time Around!! It Won’t Happen!” This sentiment reflects a growing wave of pan-African solidarity and resistance to foreign influence over Africa’s natural resources.
President Traoré has been vocal about Burkina Faso’s intent to reclaim control over its gold industry, emphasizing the nation’s capability to manage its resources independently. He announced plans to revoke mining permits from certain foreign companies, asserting, “We know how to mine our gold, and I don’t understand why we’re going to let multinationals come and mine it” [1] . This move aligns with broader efforts to bolster domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign entities.
In line with these initiatives, Burkina Faso has introduced amendments to its mining code to strengthen national oversight and increase state participation in mining ventures. The government has also commenced the construction of a national gold refinery in Ouagadougou, aiming to process 150 tonnes of gold annually, further enhancing the country’s capacity to manage its gold resources internally.
These developments signify a pivotal shift in Burkina Faso’s approach to resource management, reflecting a broader trend across Africa where nations are asserting greater sovereignty over their natural wealth.
