• 2022, a mess
• Reconquest of the territory
• The challenge of cohesion
L’2022 will have broken the record for political instability in Burkina. Two coups d’etat were perpetrated in the space of eight months. The democratically elected president, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, Lieutenant-Colonel, Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, and Captain Ibrahim Traoré respectively succeeded each other at the head of the country in 2022. The country which has been bent under the rule of a security crisis since eight years is on the verge of implosion due to the weakening of the social fabric. Are the Burkinabe aware of the disaster that threatens to engulf them? Have they made good resolutions at the start of 2023 to face the mounting challenges? A change of course is necessary so that the trend s’inverse.
The anti-coup had to drink whey while scrutinizing the last days of the year 2022. The observation will have given them reason that a coup, whatever the reasons for its occurrence, is not the solution. for the stability of a country. The putschists of January 24, 2022, who played the card of the deterioration of the security situation and the despair of the populations to depose the democratically elected president, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, ultimately disappointed. The “savior”, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, did not revealed at the height of the mission. Falling very early into the spiral of the delights of power and the mirages of self-satisfaction, he quickly relegated to the background the priority challenge, namely the fight against the terrorist hydra, to indulge in a mixture of genres. As a result, the country which, given the fragile state in which it found itself, was spared sanctions from regional and international bodies, will still suffer the negligence of its own leader. Eight months later, Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba’s brothers in arms, having noted his excesses, will depose him on September 30, 2022. The author of the second coup, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who had said he was not interested by the power, will be confirmed at the head of the State, at the end of the National Assizes. Captain Traoré’s breaking speech about the disintegration in which the country finds itself has awakened the consciences. The magnitude of the multidimensional crisis, masked by the patent negligence of an indifferent political class and an opportunistic civil society eager for cold hard cash, has finally been brought to light. Admittedly, the events of September 30, 2022 made it possible to hold on somewhat, but everything remains fragile, as the risks of destabilization are significant. Clearly, 2022 has been a real mess for Burkina, especially since the security risk and the rising cost of living are becoming more and more haunting. The economy is bathed in an unspeakable gloom. In this fog of uncertainty, how can we hope for the hoped-for improvement?
We are waiting for the new president responsible, rigorous, balanced leadership, open to all sensitivities. A power resulting from a coup d’etat drags at its feet the ball and chain of illegality, even if in our latitudes, the Constitutional Council has succeeded in the feat of dubbing putschists. It is therefore important for the authorities of the Transition to know how to put themselves above the fray to lead the country safely. To avoid the mistakes of their predecessors, Captain Traoré and his government will have to show ingratitude towards their unconditional supporters whose overflowing activism could weaken their capital of confidence. By letting these flatterers transfigured by irrational considerations act with complete impunity, there is a big risk of diverting public attention from real concerns.
Some Burkinabè, tired of seeing their country gutted by crooks, responded favorably to the operation to recruit 50,000 volunteers for the defense of the homeland (VDP). They are ready to give up everything so that the country survives. This invites the authorities to better focus on the priorities which remain the reconquest of the entire national territory and the return of internally displaced persons to their respective localities. On the threshold of the new year, the momentum must be directed towards initiatives which federate energies, which participate in building dikes against division.
As a result, firmness is expected against these discordant voices that are raised to stigmatize certain Burkinabè. The land of upright men is rich in its diversity, it cannot be exploited by “gurus” who, under the cover of an exalted belonging, basically preach for their own ego. Letting the seed of division take root among populations is conspiring for the victory of the terrorists. In these times of ambiguity, we must avoid losing the sense of limits. Everyone, in their particularity, should understand that their existence is intimately linked to that of others. Chapel quarrels must be banned at all levels. And the authorities would benefit from reassuring all Burkinabè on the imperative need to transcend the contradictions knowingly maintained by some who have an interest in the perpetuation of the crisis. The social bond which is dangerously disintegrating due to hateful remarks and short-sighted speeches distilled by people of bad faith, deserves to be rebuilt. For this, it will take a good dose of perspective, a keen sense of lucidity on the part of everyone, starting with the ruling class. The country is on the verge of implosion, assailed on all sides by indescribable evils. Only the solidarity of all could constitute a bulwark against which all attempts at nuisance will fail.
Without this imperious burst, the horizon of a lull will still be long in coming. The year 2023 should also be the year of economic recovery without which it would be difficult for the vast majority to cope with the high cost of living. In this perspective, the first authorities are expected to provide reassurance by developing initiatives likely to breathe new life into the economy. It is important to reassure foreign investors that despite the difficult parenthesis, Burkina is a destination not to be overlooked. With a good dose of good faith, sincerity and a willingness to work for the return of peace, the country will be able to emerge from the fog. It’s a question of survival.
Jerome Hayimi
framed
Assuming sovereignty responsibly
DGiven the complexity of the crisis that Burkina is going through, the new authorities are driven by a desire to review certain cooperation practices that have been to the disadvantage of the country. The assertion of sovereignty also involves emancipation vis-à-vis certain partners who have always apprehended cooperation with outdated settler reflexes. It is a matter of dignity for any State to deal as an equal with any partner, insofar as each defends its interests. However, this desire to lay the foundations for a win-win partnership that takes into account the priorities of all parties should be done with great responsibility and respect. Nothing is achieved in an improvised flippancy. You can make yourself understood without arrogance and bravado.