BOBO-DIOULASSO, Burkina Faso – Burkinabè Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambèla criticized opposition groups on Friday, labeling them as “local lackeys of imperialism” who are attempting to derail the government’s wealth redistribution policies.

According to Burkina Information Agency, these groups have engaged in spreading false news about President Ibrahim Traoré to obstruct the government’s efforts to achieve economic equity among the populace.

The accusations were made during an event in Bobo-Dioulasso for the recruitment of the 81st promotion of the National Patriotic Service. Prime Minister Kyelem detailed the government’s initiative, which aims at rebuilding the nation and implementing a sovereign policy of wealth redistribution. He argued that the entrenched interests of certain local factions, purportedly backed by foreign powers including France and the United States, are fundamentally opposed to these changes.

The controversy revolves around the alleged disinformation regarding President Traoré’s whereabouts following a supposed mutiny on June 12, 2024. In response, on June 20, President Traoré addressed the nation via Radiodiffusion Television du Burkina, dismissing the rumors as the product of a dishonest media campaign. He reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of the Burkinabè people and indicated his determination to continue with the current governmental policies despite the opposition.