Koudougou: Burkina Faso’s Minister of State Bassolma Bazié declared the country’s right to independently choose participants for its events, following the removal of the Tour du Faso from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar. This decision was made due to the inclusion of a Russian cycling team in the competition.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Bazié emphasized the nation’s sovereignty across various sectors, including sports, during a statement in Koudougou on Sunday. He argued that Burkina Faso is entitled to decide who can partake in its events, insisting that international organizations should respect the nation’s choices. The UCI’s decision to withdraw the event’s label came after CSK Moscow’s participation, which the minister saw as an unwarranted interference.
Bazié urged those who disagreed with Burkina Faso’s decisions to reconsider their stance, stressing that the Tour du Faso is fundamentally a Burkinabe event. He criticized external entities attempting to influence the even
t’s guest list, asserting that Burkina Faso’s alliances and friendships should be respected.
He further remarked that the withdrawal of the UCI’s label would not impact the event’s success. Instead, he noted that the decision only highlighted the political nature of the UCI’s actions, despite claims that politics should stay out of sports. Bazié assured that the Tour du Faso would continue effectively, welcoming all countries willing to participate and expressing gratitude to those who maintain their support.
The minister invited local communities to warmly welcome the participants as the tour progresses through Burkina Faso, underlining the country’s openness to new partnerships. He also noted that the absence of the UCI label would not deter the event’s spirit, emphasizing that the focus remains on promoting humanism and resilience among the Burkinabe people.
In conclusion, Bazié celebrated the victory of Russian cyclist Anton Popov in a stage of the tour, drawing historical parallels to past victories b
y Russian cyclists in Burkina Faso, and reaffirming the country’s commitment to hosting an inclusive and successful event.