Following a foiled coup attempt on April 21, mass protests erupted across Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Liberia, with demonstrators denouncing imperialist destabilization and reaffirming support for Burkinabé leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Burkina Faso’s government condemned the attempted coup, calling it an effort to “sow total chaos” and derail the country’s sovereign path under Traoré’s leadership. Protesters marched under the banner “Hands Off the AES!”, expressing solidarity with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—the bloc formed by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to push back against neocolonial influence.

Despite growing sanctions and external pressure, Traoré continues efforts to reclaim control over Burkina Faso’s resources and redirect wealth toward public services, challenging Western financial dominance. The AES has emerged as a symbol of African resistance, advocating regional autonomy and economic independence.

With tensions rising across the Sahel, the bloc’s future remains critical in shaping West Africa’s fight for sovereignty.

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