By Muhammadu Sabiu
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi applauded the steadfast resistance of African countries against colonialism and terrorism during a diplomatic meeting with Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba on Monday.
While not explicitly naming France, President Raisi’s remarks were seen as a recognition of African nations’ efforts to assert their sovereignty.
Burkina Faso and Mali, both currently under military junta rule, have notably severed military ties with France, their former colonial ruler, in favour of bolstering relations with Russia.
Niger, which experienced a military junta takeover in July, has been marked by widespread protests demanding the withdrawal of French troops, harking back to its colonial history.
In his meeting with Foreign Minister Rouamba, President Raisi commended the African countries for their resilience and resolve. He described their stance as a “sign of vigilance and awakening,” underscoring the importance of nations safeguarding their independence.
The Iranian presidency’s official website published a statement quoting President Raisi’s words of appreciation for African countries’ principled stand against colonialism and terrorism.
While diplomatic relations between Iran and the African nations were not the primary focus of the meeting, the implicit message of solidarity resonated with those advocating for self-determination and autonomy in the face of historical colonial ties.
This meeting marks another instance of international relations being influenced by the evolving geopolitical landscape as African nations navigate their path towards sovereignty and redefine their partnerships on the global stage.
