Ouagadougou: The President of Faso, Comrade Captain Ibrahim Traor, has called upon Africans to demonstrate through work and science that they are not "shithole countries." On Friday, September 11, 2026, during a statement at Nazi Boni University in Bobo-Dioulasso, he addressed this issue in response to past remarks by former American President Donald Trump.
According to Burkina Information Agency, President Traor reflected on Trump's earlier comments, which he initially found hurtful, yet acknowledged that they prompted a critical self-examination. He cited practices such as traveling to the United States for childbirth to secure American citizenship as behaviors that validate such derogatory remarks. President Traor expressed approval of Trump's subsequent policy to halt this practice, seeing it as a necessary step for Africans to embrace and improve their own citizenship.
Furthermore, President Traor emphasized the importance of African children being born on the continent and contributing to its development rather than seeking foreign nationalities. He used Burkina Faso's commitment to the Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP) as an example of striving for self-reliance and progress through local resources. Recent initiatives such as the inauguration of the Burkina Faso Armed Forces Textile Industrial Complex and the amphitheater complex under the Presidential Initiative for Quality Education for All exemplify this commitment.
He further urged Burkinab students to focus on scientific and technical education, suggesting that those in humanities consider retraining. Highlighting a case where a Nigerian refinery needed foreign workers due to a lack of local expertise, President Traor stressed the need for qualified local personnel for future industries, including TEXFORCES-BF.
President Traor expressed satisfaction with local involvement in recent construction projects, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the country. He announced plans to establish a tannery industry and reduce reliance on imported raw materials for cement, showcasing confidence in Burkinabe expertise and resources.
In conclusion, President Traor reiterated his belief in the potential of Burkina Faso's youth and their ability to contribute significantly to the country's development.