Ouagadougou: The Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, welcomed a delegation of Afro-descendants in Ouagadougou. The delegation, led by Dr. Arikana Chihombori, President of the Institute for the Development of the African Diaspora (ADDI), came to extend their gratitude for the warm reception from the Burkinabe authorities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the delegation, consisting of over 600 Afro-descendants and African diaspora members from the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, is visiting Burkina Faso in response to a call for return by the country’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traore. This initiative marks Burkina Faso as the first African nation to explicitly invite descendants of slaves to return to their ancestral land, a move heralded as a historic milestone for the African diaspora.

Dr. Arikana Chihombori lauded the leadership of the Burkinabe Head of State, describing him as “the embodiment of African pride and dignity.” She expressed deep appreciation for the reception received, emphasizing the importance of unity and the significant support from the Burkinabe authorities and the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Washington D.C.

Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo emphasized the need for unity and vigilance against external forces aiming to divide African peoples. He encouraged the delegation to contribute to reshaping the global perception of Africa and Burkina Faso, which has been marred by historical prejudices. “Together, we have a responsibility to tell the world the truth about our history and our dignity,” he stated.

The ADDI delegation expressed their pride in “coming home” and committed to supporting Burkina Faso’s vision of a sovereign, united Africa, reconciled with its history.