Burkina Faso / Crisis in northern Ivory Coast: What if the smoke screen came from Abidjan?
Once again, Burkina Faso’s Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) are being singled out in a murky narrative eagerly relayed by certain propaganda-driven media outlets, starting with Jeune Afrique. This time, the allegation is that agents from the Directorate for Refugee and Stateless Persons Assistance (DAARA), working near the border, were supposedly “taken away” by the VDPs. According to Jeune Afrique, the claim came from a “local official.” No name. No verifiable evidence.
But what if this staged narrative is in fact a smokescreen operation originating from Abidjan? Several elements suggest it should not be swallowed uncritically.
First, Côte d’Ivoire’s political climate is highly charged: President Alassane Ouattara seeks a fourth term, under the pretext of safeguarding his country’s stability in the face of “regional insecurity”. A hard sell to a population growing increasingly skeptical. So, what better way to keep the country in a state of security-induced psychosis than by brandishing the terrorist threat at the northern border? Conveniently, just ahead of elections, an attack suddenly emerges—allegedly carried out by Burkinabe VDPs.
Then comes the explosive case of Alino Faso, who died in Côte d’Ivoire under troubling circumstances. His body, repatriated to Burkina Faso, was subjected to an autopsy demanded by Ouagadougou. The results could seriously embarrass certain circles in Côte d’Ivoire. So, what better diversion than launching a media counteroffensive, accusing Burkinabe forces of interference or aggression? And the supposed “hostages” seen airlifted to an unknown destination? It sounds like the plot of a film—except it involves real human lives and bilateral relations being manipulated.
All of this smacks of high-level diversion for political ends, aided by complacent media platforms. The African public must remain vigilant: never take information at face value. Turn it over, dissect it, compare it. The tricksters may be clever, but they are far from invincible.
