TEHRAN: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi extended praise to African nations for their resilience against “colonialism” during a visit by Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Olivia Rouamba.
The remarks come against the backdrop of recent geopolitical developments in the region, including military juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali that have severed military ties with former colonial power France, instead fostering relations with Russia.
Niger, where a military junta took control in July, has also been marked by mass protests urging the withdrawal of French troops, the country’s former colonial ruler.
During their meeting on Monday, President Raisi acknowledged and lauded the steadfastness of African countries in the face of colonialism and terrorism. Although not explicitly mentioning France, his comments underscored the African nations’ stance as a “sign of vigilance and awakening,” as stated in a press release on the Iranian presidency’s website.
Iran Enhancing Ties with African Nations
Burkina Faso experienced two military coups in 2022, following which the ruling junta called for the withdrawal of French troops from the country.
In the course of the meeting with Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba, President Raisi expressed Iran’s readiness to share its experiences and achievements with friendly African countries.
In turn, Rouamba expressed Burkina Faso’s interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Iran, according to the Iranian presidency’s statement.
Iran has been actively enhancing its diplomatic ties across the African continent as part of its strategy to reduce isolation and counter the impact of severe sanctions imposed following the United States’ withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018.
In July, President Raisi embarked on a rare tour of Africa, visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe as part of Iran’s efforts to expand its diplomatic footprint in the region.
