Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – (African Boulevard News) – Burkina Faso’s defence minister, Moumina Cheriff Sy, has accused an “international coalition” of conspiring against his country and violating its airspace. In a statement on Wednesday, the minister alleged that Burkina Faso’s airspace had been violated, and that foreign countries were working to destabilize the West African nation.
The accusation comes amidst heightened tensions in Burkina Faso, where a jihadist insurgency has claimed thousands of lives and forced millions to flee their homes. The region has seen a surge in Islamist violence in recent years, with several groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State expanding their operations across West Africa.
Speaking at a press conference in the capital, Ouagadougou, Sy said: “Our airspace is being violated, and there is an international coalition lined up against us. We are aware that there are countries that want to destabilize Burkina Faso, but we will not allow it.”
The minister did not provide any specific details about the alleged foreign interference, but his comments are likely to fuel fears that Burkina Faso is becoming a battleground for rival powers. The country has seen increased military activity in recent weeks, with France, the United States, and other Western powers deploying troops to support government forces fighting against militants.
Burkina Faso has long been a target of militant groups, with its porous borders making it an attractive base for jihadists seeking to expand their operations in West Africa. The country has also been grappling with a political crisis since a popular uprising in 2014 led to the ousting of longtime President Blaise Compaore.
The current government has been struggling to contain the jihadist insurgency while also dealing with a growing humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that more than two million people have been displaced by the conflict, and many are facing severe food shortages and other forms of deprivation.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety of our people and defend our territorial integrity,” Sy said. “We will not be deterred by any external threats or interference.”
The minister’s comments have been met with skepticism by some analysts, who say that Burkina Faso’s problems are largely homegrown and cannot be blamed solely on foreign interference. However, there is no denying that the country is facing a complex set of challenges that will require sustained international support to address.
As the situation in Burkina Faso continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to successfully navigate the country’s many challenges and restore stability to one of West Africa’s most troubled nations.
