Locally and Internationally: Traore Reviews Four Years in Power in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traore on Sunday reviewed his four-year record in power during a press briefing, days before the fourth anniversary of his rise to authority following a military coup on September 30, 2022.

During his meeting with journalists, Traore addressed files related to counter-terrorism, measures to combat rising living costs, the severing of diplomatic relations with France, as well as relations between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), according to Radio France Internationale (RFI).

In response to a question from journalists at Burkina Faso's national radio and television broadcaster (RTB) regarding the security situation and terrorist attacks, Traore praised the recapture of territory during his four years in office.

Amid soaring prices for basic consumer goods and growing public discontent, the Burkinabe president affirmed that the government would not tolerate speculators, accusing some merchants of seeking to overthrow his regime.

He stated: "There are reactionaries who have an agenda with imperialists; they do everything in their power either to hide products, speculate, sabotage, or raise prices. They conspire and act solely to push the population to reject the revolution."

Relations with Europe
On the diplomatic front, Traore said he desires good coexistence between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and ECOWAS, noting that the diplomatic break with France has become a declared reality.

He did not rule out taking similar steps toward the European Union if necessary, stating: "No, things are not going well. You recently saw that we were forced to warn them due to reckless statements by some MPs. If they continue, we have no problem. One fine day, we will also enter and end it."

Regarding the future and the possibility of leaving power after presidential elections, Traore indicated that a new constitution should define the framework for these elections, along with the duration of the presidential term.