Africa Pushes Back: Burkina Faso, Allies Slam U.S. AFRICOM Chief Over Gold Allegation

The accusation, made during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on April 3, has triggered a strong backlash across the African continent.

The latest fallout comes as civil society groups, political movements, and regional governments denounce the statement as an affront to African sovereignty and part of a broader pattern of neo-colonial rhetoric from Western powers.

What General Langley Said

Langley, who leads the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), said Traoré was exchanging Burkina Faso’s gold reserves “just to protect the junta regime.” The remarks were made in response to questions about resource corruption and growing Chinese and Russian influence in Africa.

To date, no evidence has been publicly presented to support the gold diversion claims. Neither AFRICOM nor the U.S. Department of Defense has issued a follow-up statement or clarification.

Burkina Faso Reacts

In a formal response on April 16, Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the remarks as “gravely inaccurate” and accused Langley of undermining the country’s sovereign decisions. The government reiterated its commitment to resource transparency, wealth redistribution, and its campaign against corruption.

President Traoré, who assumed power in 2022 through a military-led transition, has positioned himself as a symbol of African independence from Western influence. Under his leadership, Burkina Faso expelled French forces, embraced a populist vision of economic nationalism, and welcomed Russian military advisors in early 2024.

African Solidarity and Outrage

The controversy has fueled a wave of online indignation and pro-African solidarity. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #HandsOffBurkina and #AfricanSovereignty have trended regionally, with users condemning what they describe as U.S. interference.

One widely circulated post read: “A Black American general shaming African resistance to neocolonialism — the irony writes itself.” Another stated, “They never cared when multinationals looted Africa. Now they’re mad because Africans are taking control.”

South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), known for their Pan-Africanist stance, also weighed in. In a statement on April 27, the party rejected Langley’s allegations as “imperialist meddling” and called on African nations to resist all foreign attempts to influence domestic economic decisions.

A Broader Geopolitical Shift

Langley’s comments have struck a nerve in a region already redefining its foreign alliances. Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger — all governed by military juntas — formed the Alliance of Sahel States in late 2023. The bloc has aligned more closely with Russia and China as traditional Western partners lose influence.

Analysts say the U.S. risks alienating key regional players by pushing unverified claims and failing to engage diplomatically with new power centers. “This is a communications failure,” said a West Africa-based policy expert. “The U.S. continues to talk about Africa without talking to Africa.”

What We Know So Far: Fact Check

• General Langley’s remarks were made in a live U.S. Senate hearing on April 3.

• No declassified or public reports have substantiated the gold diversion allegation.

• Burkina Faso has promised reforms in resource management but provides limited fiscal transparency under military rule.

• The arrival of Russian personnel in Ouagadougou in January 2024 was widely reported and confirmed by international media.

• Traoré remains popular among Pan-Africanist circles for his defiance of former colonial powers and advocacy for African-led solutions.

Why It Matters

The episode highlights widening fractures between the West and African nations pursuing independent geopolitical paths. It also signals a communications gap in U.S.-Africa relations at a time when digital misinformation and online mobilization can rapidly inflame public sentiment.

While some U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern over African military regimes leaning toward autocracy, others warn that unsubstantiated public accusations risk undermining long-term partnerships and emboldening rival powers.

As of Tuesday, there has been no indication that General Langley acted beyond his official capacity or on political instruction. Online speculation connecting his remarks to broader U.S. strategies under President Donald Trump remains unverified.