Did Putin really send his private Jet for Captain Traore?
A fact check on the story during Russia's Victory Day Celebration
Alkebulanians,
How are you doing this weekend?
It’s always eventful when discussing African history and current affairs. In many ways it’s tough to decide what story to choose when I make a post.
I want to talk about a rumour that did the rounds some months ago. It was that Vladimir Putin allegedly sent his presidential jet to get Captain Traore from Burkina Faso and take him to Russia for their Victory Day celebration.
The story was both surprising and somewhat sad. I say sad because an African president’s life is in so much danger because he is trying to help his own people and defying western powers.
So did it happen?
Well yes and no.
As far as I could find, Traore did attend the Victory Day celebration in Russia and he was given a King’s welcome. He was personally greeted by Vladimir and treated like a dignitary. This in itself is in stark contrast to the villification Traore is getting from western nations. I mean this incident happened around the same time the US general and former Africom head Michael Langley, accused Traore of stealing gold from his own people. As if a president can’t use his country’s riches to protect himself and his administration.
When you see things like that it’s difficult to understand how and why any African would have an issue with Russia when they treat men like Traore this way. Yes, of course there is political motivation behind this but why isn’t France, UK, Canada or US motivated to respect such a man?
I know the answer but you get my point.
I couldn’t find any evidence that Traore was transported by Putin’s jet though.
It could be propaganda for the relationship between Russia and Burkina Faso. We can’t know for sure because it’s very difficult to get accurate information about what is happening in the Sahel nations.
And in other news…
So many new subscribers. A few hundred in the last day and a half. Welcome. This is the place for building the bridge between Africa and the diaspora.
I love and admire President Traore for the stance that he has taken to protect Burkina Faso and his people. All African leaders should lead by his example. By the same token, I would warn him of sheep in wolf’s clothing. He has what they want and would kill to get it!!