Ibrahim Traore Seeks A New Path For Burkina Faso

 

Ibrahim Traore wants Burkina Faso to have a more dynamic and impactful role in African affairs. The young leader seems similar to Thomas Sankara. A Pan-Africanist revival could be underway. Countries such as Mali and Niger are also taking a different approach to foreign policy and the affairs of Africa. The Alliance of Sahel states was formed to counter ECOWAS. Simultaneously, measures have been taken to remove French military encroachment and fight terrorist organizations. The AES is the reaction to neocolonial imperialism and armed groups. Traore does have an anti-imperialist political position. However, his economic stances are not well known. Traore does see poverty and the exploitation of the nation as an injustice. Yet, he has never expressed any Marxist or socialist ideas. Burkina Faso now has a leader that is growing in popularity. The reason has to do with genuine change to the political system. The youth in particular desire new leadership. The majority of African leaders are much older. Ibrahim Traore is one of the youngest heads of state in the world. Burkina Faso is going to be the more significant partner in the Alliance of Sahel states. Leaving ECOWAS demonstrates a shift. Burkina Faso is asserting its national sovereignty and being more active in the West African  region. Burkina Faso could also be more involved in the African Union. Overtime, this revived Pan-African sentiment could spread to other parts of the continent.       

The Expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool and South Africa's Response

 

South African ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from the United States. The reasons for the expulsion are motivated by economics, the intolerance of the Trump administration, and an attempt to undermine BRICS. There is speculation that Elon Musk is having indirect influence over US policy regarding South Africa. Musk an Afrikaner benefited from the Apartheid regime. The Trump administration has also offered white South Africans to come to America. These proposals are a projection of white nationalist sentiment. The attacks on South Africa are also intended to dissolve the BRICS alliance. Prior to the diplomatic dispute, President Donald Trump warned various nations about abandoning the US dollar. The emergent economies are going to see growth and this shifts the geopolitical power balance. The blatant racism was apparent seeing as it is rare this happens to a senior official. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was told he was no longer welcomed in the United States. When Rasool returned he was embraced by the South African Communist Party, ANC, and the South African public. The unprofessional conduct and discriminatory actions of the United States may have created more unity among South Africans. The government's response needs to be more forceful. Removal of US diplomats would be a proportional measure. If more criticisms about land reform come from the Trump administration, the ending of diplomatic ties should be considered. President Cyril Ramaphosa does have options, but if he does not act it will only harm South Africa's standing. Closing the embassy in the United States or imposing tariffs on American products are the more harsh  measures. South Africa could just request the US ambassador to leave. Regardless of what measure is taken, the expulsion of an ambassador for no reason demands retaliation.  

Nelson Mandela Speaks of Tolerance (2006)

 

Nelson Mandela gave a PSA message that was broadcast on CBS. The subject of the short PSA was discussing tolerance. No one is born as Mandela stated hating other based on their race, religion, or background. Hatred is learned, but tolerance can be taught as Mandela expressed. Humanity can have the capcity to love and do right Mandela asserted. The former president and freedom fighter dedicated his life to fighting the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Two years after this message South Africa had an outbreak of xenophobic violence in 2008. South Africa continues to grapple with racism and inequality. The Boer ownership of farms continues to represent the long legacy of colonial oppression. South Africa has not become the rainbow nation that Nelson Mandela envisioned. A new way of  political thought needs to be promoted that encourages Pan-African ideas. There needs to be more than just tolerance; there must be acceptance of various groups. It will take time for South Africa to reach a point of tolerance. 

Mali, Burkina Faso , And Niger Form An Alliance

 

A major change is coming to the Sahel region. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are forming a closer alliance. The new alliance will encompass both security and economic agreements. The security security for three countries remains a concern. Terrorist organizations, interference from France, and ECOWAS possibly doing military operations against these governments are the concerns. The Alliance of Sahel States is going into effect. The pact is designed to bring stability to a region in turmoil for 13 years. The Liptako-Gourma region  is where Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger's borders meet. The area has been a place in which multiple armed groups are active. The current condition in the Sahel was blowback from the Arab Spring in North Africa and NATO's attack on Libya. France used the disorder to further its influence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The alliance between these three nations is also going to be economic. A new currency is in the process of being developed  among military governments. The intent appears to be to break away from a currency connected to the euro. The West African CFA franc in use in the region is a symbol of dependency of France. The policies suggested are establishing a joint stabilization fund and creation of an investment bank. All three countries also want to further development efforts. The success of this new alliance depends on the leaders, proper coordination, and the defeat of external enemies. The new alliance has a potential to be a competitor to ECOWAS, if the new currency spreads through out the continent. 

Malcolm X on Anti-Colonial Nationalism (1964)

 

Malcolm X believed in black nationalism and anti-colonial politics. The conditions that African Americans were facing made him come to two conclusions. African Americans needed their own  independent state. Black separatism was a solution to the abuse by American society. Applying the similar tactics of the anti-colonial struggles in Africa, Asia, and Latin America could bring justice to African Americans in the United States. Slavery was used to make the US an economic power and European nations did the same. Liberation came by organizing and actively resisting the established political order. Malcolm X explains African Americans did not come as colonizers. They were captives, abducted from Africa .To get freedom, one must be willing to fight for it. Self-defense  of the community was a better method in Malcolm X's mind, rather than non-violent resistance. A government that does not protect or ensure the rights of citizens, means other tactics must be used. Malcolm X's ideas would be the basis of the black power movement.