OUAGADOUGOU—A group of experts presented a comprehensive strategy for combating neocolonialism and achieving genuine sovereignty for Sahel states on Saturday. The discussions, organized under the theme “The fight for the sovereignty of our States in the face of neocolonialism: state of affairs today in Burkina Faso,” brought together specialists in political science, media, engineering, and health to address the multifaceted challenges faced by nations in the Sahel region. The roundtable, led by accredited experts across several disciplines, aimed to shed light on political, economic, cultural, and health strategies essential for the region’s autonomy.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the first speaker, political science researcher Pepin Ollo Hien, defined neocolonialism as an extension of colonization through other means, emphasizing the lack of equality in state relations as a core issue. Hien criticized France’s reluctance to renegotiate agreements with Sahel states, viewing it as a refusal to engage with these countries as equals. He advocated for a “historical rupture” with colonial legacies, including the termination of exploitative agreements, to achieve political and economic autonomy and empower local populations.
Media columnist and political analyst Hassane Bationo highlighted sovereignty’s significance in allowing nations to freely engage in trade and pursue development paths aligned with their interests and values. Meanwhile, civil engineer Bertrand Yoda criticized the impact of World Bank and IMF policies on the region’s economic fabric, noting a shift towards endogenous development strategies as a means to overcome poverty and debt.
The panel also explored cultural sovereignty, with local development consultant Seni Camille Y calling for a reconnection with indigenous values and traditions eroded by colonial influence. On the health front, accounting auditor Soumaila Cissé pointed out the disparities in global health responses, urging for greater investment in medical training within the Sahel to achieve health sovereignty.
The event, organized by IRCEF-Burkina/BRICS, the Bolo Yan association, and African Initiative, aimed to mobilize youth participation in the sovereignty movement, as emphasized by Barry M’baye, president of the Bolo Yan association. The panel represented a collective effort to envision a future where Sahel states can navigate their development paths free from neocolonial influence, marking a significant step towards self-determination and regional empowerment.
This initiative follows a similar panel organized by the African Initiative Association on January 27, 2024, focusing on national sovereignty in the face of neocolonialism, signaling a growing movement within the Sahel to address and overcome the legacy and ongoing impact of colonialism.