(DDM) – Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, has issued a stern warning to Nigeria, urging the nation to prepare for potential geopolitical pressure from the United States following its recent economic alliances with China and India.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the West African leader, popularly known for his bold Pan-African stance, made the remarks through a statement widely shared on social media, highlighting growing global tension over Nigeria’s refinery partnerships.
According to the statement, President Traoré said the United States is “unhappy” with Nigeria for signing major refinery and energy deals with China and India, nations long considered Washington’s strategic competitors in global trade and technology.
He likened the situation to “watching your ex build a mansion with your rival,” suggesting that the U.S. sees Nigeria’s move as a direct challenge to its influence in Africa.
The refinery project in question is believed to be part of Nigeria’s broader push to achieve energy independence, with Chinese funding and Indian technological input playing significant roles in construction and operations.
President Traoré warned that such developments could provoke strong reactions from Washington, including economic and political maneuvers aimed at reasserting American dominance.
“They will come for you with everything,” he warned, urging Nigeria to “brace up” and prepare for global power pushback.
Analysts who spoke to DDM explained that the U.S. has historically viewed Nigeria as a key ally in Africa, both economically and strategically.
However, recent shifts in Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly its growing ties with Beijing and New Delhi, have unsettled Washington’s long-standing influence over Africa’s largest economy.
Experts believe that China’s increasing investment in Nigeria’s oil sector and infrastructure, coupled with India’s expanding trade relations, could gradually reduce U.S. leverage in West Africa.
This comes at a time when global energy politics is rapidly changing, with developing nations seeking to reduce Western dependence and diversify partnerships.
President Traoré’s warning reflects broader sentiments among some African leaders who advocate for economic sovereignty and the rejection of Western control over African resources.
DDM recalls that in recent years, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have taken strong positions against foreign interference, aligning with the growing wave of anti-colonial rhetoric sweeping across the Sahel region.
Observers note that Traoré’s message to Nigeria is both a call for vigilance and a push for African unity against external manipulation.
He emphasized that if Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, fails to act swiftly, it could face “difficult times ahead,” including possible sanctions, diplomatic isolation, or covert destabilization attempts.
Political commentators say the statement underscores a growing ideological divide between African nations seeking self-reliance and Western powers keen on maintaining old economic hierarchies.
While the Nigerian government has yet to respond officially, insiders suggest that Abuja remains committed to its refinery partnerships with China and India as part of its industrial revival plan.
As the global balance of power continues to shift, Traoré’s cautionary words may resonate strongly across Africa, especially among nations seeking economic independence without Western strings attached.
For now, Nigeria faces a defining moment, either to yield to external pressure or to assert its sovereignty in the emerging multipolar world order.