Africa: Wrongly accused, Harouna Douamba seeks redress from the EU Tribunal

On February 24, 2025, the Ivorian-Burkinabè businessman and pan-Africanist Harouna Douamba filed a defamation lawsuit against the European Union. The information was made public through an official statement released on May 16, 2025, in Ouagadougou.

PRESS RELEASE

I, the undersigned, Mr. Harouna DOUAMBA, businessman and pan-Africanist, hereby inform the national and international public opinion that on February 13, 2025, I officially filed a lawsuit with the Court of the European Union, seated in Luxembourg.

This legal action follows the decision made public on December 16, 2024, by the European Union, placing me on a list of sanctioned individuals, based on what I consider to be defamatory, false, and slanderous grounds. The information concerning me, published and made available on the official website of the European Union, seriously damages my honor, my reputation, and the integrity of my professional and civic engagements across the African continent and beyond.

As a recognized economic actor, a firm defender of pan-Africanist causes, and an advocate for a sovereign, free, and united Africa, I cannot tolerate having my name unjustly associated with unfounded allegations, promoted as truth by European institutions without any adversarial procedure or opportunity for defense being granted to me beforehand.

In the face of this blatant injustice, I have instructed my legal counsel to initiate legal proceedings so that the truth may be restored, my honor cleared, and the authors of these baseless accusations held accountable before the competent courts. It is imperative, for the sake of the rule of law and human dignity, that these discriminatory practices cease—practices that aim to stigmatize independent African voices under the pretext of defending foreign geopolitical interests.

Where is the principle of freedom of expression so dear to Europeans? Why is anyone who disagrees with French policy in Africa automatically labeled as pro-Russian? How can such a major institution like the European Union rely on unsubstantiated allegations circulating here and there to impose sanctions without even conducting a thorough investigation? In short!

I remain confident that the European justice system, based on the rule of law, will be able to distinguish between real facts and the media-political fabrications orchestrated behind the scenes.

I also reaffirm my unwavering determination to continue serving the interests of the African continent, lawfully, transparently, and with faith in the values that have always guided me.

I thank all those, in Africa and beyond, who support me in these circumstances, and I remain committed to truth, justice, and Africa.

Done in Ouagadougou, on May 16, 2025