NIAMEY — During a speech in Niamey at the inaugural summit of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States, President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso delivered a strong critique against what he referred to as 'parlor slaves', individuals he accused of perpetuating colonial-like exploitation on the continent.

According to Burkina Information Agency, these individuals, who he claims lack dignity and morality, collaborate with imperialist forces to siphon Africa's resources to their foreign masters. He described them as local lackeys installed by imperialists to act as sub-prefects, maintaining control over African resources and betraying their own people. "They steal, they plunder our states, they take everything from the master and their wealth is kept with the master," Traoré explained, painting a grim picture of betrayal and exploitation that has persisted since the 1960s.

President Traoré emphasized that the recognition of these 'parlor slaves' is clear from their actions that align closely with the interests of their imperialist masters, undermining the continent’s progress and development. He expressed a strong stance against these practices, which he believes are critical barriers to Africa's independence and development.