Burkina Faso’s Coordination of Civic Vigilance Associations (CNAVC) has called on member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) to uphold the principles of unity and legality, amid growing tensions over the rotating presidency of the Council of Ministers.
At a press conference held Saturday morning in Ouagadougou, CNAVC leaders voiced concern over the absence of consensus regarding Burkina Faso’s legitimate turn to assume the rotating leadership of UEMOA—a role they argue is clearly outlined in the regional body’s governing texts.
“The presidency of the Conference of Heads of State rotates among member countries, and under these rules, Burkina Faso is now entitled to assume that position,” declared the spokesperson during the briefing.
However, CNAVC condemned what it described as “a regrettable political maneuver being orchestrated behind the scenes by neocolonialist forces,” pointing specifically to alleged interference from Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The group also accused Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of being influenced due to his “political inexperience,” leading to the obstruction of Burkina Faso’s rightful leadership.
“The rules of the community must be respected,” the spokesperson insisted, warning that failure to do so could result in UEMOA suffering the same fate of diminished credibility currently facing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Beyond regional politics, CNAVC also expressed support for recent domestic initiatives by Burkina Faso’s transitional authorities, including the territorial reorganization and efforts to curb unjustified spikes in motorcycle prices.
The group praised these steps as essential measures in the public interest and called on citizens to support them.
The unfolding leadership impasse in UEMOA now raises deeper questions about the future of regional cooperation and the influence of external actors on African unity.
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