Ouagadougou: The representative of the head of government, Minister of Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, announced Burkina Faso’s readiness to collaborate with the African diaspora during the inaugural conference on pan-Africanism and the dynamics of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with Afro-descendants. Traore emphasized the nation’s commitment to working with the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) to bring its vision of sovereignty and development to fruition. The minister highlighted the goal of making Burkina Faso a place of belonging and hope for Afro-descendants.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Traore underscored the essential role of the African diaspora in Burkina Faso’s national renewal and the broader African renaissance. Speaking in Ouagadougou, Traore welcomed Afro-descendants and reaffirmed their integral place in Burkina Faso’s identity. He urged for Africa to embrace its destiny in a changing world and noted the diaspora’s vital role in reclaiming history and leading the continent towards greater sovereignty and dignity.
During the conference, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore congratulated Jacob Zuma, former president of South Africa, acknowledging his contributions to the continent’s liberation struggle. Traore saw the gathering as a historical moment to reconnect Africa with its diaspora, emphasizing Burkina Faso’s ongoing commitment to endogenous development rooted in its values and people.
The minister highlighted that the presence of Afro-descendants in Burkina Faso reinforces the nation’s direction towards freedom and self-determined development. He clarified that this movement is not against any people but is a testament to the African populations’ desire for freedom and justice. Afro-descendants arrived in Burkina Faso on October 24, 2025, and will conclude their visit on November 8.