Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, has called for reforms to the African Union, saying the continental body must better defend Africa’s sovereignty and reduce its reliance on external funding.
Speaking in Ouagadougou during a meeting with African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Prime Minister urged the AU to reform its decision-making processes, financing and operations, arguing that dependence on foreign partners weakens its ability to protect African interests.
He also called for greater support for Sahel countries battling terrorism and stronger engagement with African youth.
In response, AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf acknowledged Burkina Faso’s commitment to strengthening its sovereignty and reaffirmed that the country remains an important member of the African Union.
He assured the Burkinabe authorities of the AU’s continued support for their national priorities and expressed the organization’s solidarity with Burkina Faso in its fight against terrorism, describing the security threat as a challenge facing the entire African continent.
