Burkina Faso has announced plans to expel several foreign gold mining companies. The West African nation, which has long sought to reduce Western influence, is focusing on bolstering local mining operations to increase gold production through indigenous establishments. As part of this initiative, the government is preparing to revoke mining permits from foreign companies.
President Ibrahim Traoré, marking his two years in power during a radio broadcast, revealed the plan on Saturday. While he refrained from naming specific companies whose permits will be withdrawn, he emphasized the country’s capability to manage its own resources. “We know how to mine our gold, and I don’t understand why we’re letting multinationals do it,” Traoré stated. “We are going to withdraw mining permits,” he added, underscoring the shift in policy.
Among the foreign companies currently operating in Burkina Faso are Endeavour Mining (UK), West African Resources (Australia), Nordgold (Russia), and Orezone Gold Corporation (Canada). These firms are now at risk of losing their licenses as Burkina Faso aims to regain control of its gold sector.
A Shift in Foreign Relations
Burkina Faso’s growing frustration with the West has been evident in recent years. In January 2022, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba led a coup, ousting President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, citing security concerns. However, after failing to address these issues, Damiba was himself overthrown by Captain Ibrahim Traoré in September 2022, marking the second coup of the year.
Traoré justified his rise to power by pointing to Burkina Faso’s deteriorating security situation, which had long been influenced by Western partnerships. Since taking office, his administration has taken steps to sever ties with traditional Western allies in favor of closer relations with Russia.
Earlier this year, Burkina Faso suspended several Western and African media outlets, accusing them of biased reporting on a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report that alleged Burkinabe military involvement in extrajudicial killings. The government suspended BBC Africa, Voice of America, and TV5Monde for their coverage, which it claimed unfairly portrayed the Burkinabe military.
With the move to expel foreign gold miners, President Traoré continues to pursue his goal of economic independence, particularly in the country’s lucrative gold industry, while distancing Burkina Faso from Western influence.
Source : african.bussinessinder.com
