Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has commended African countries for their resistance to what he refers to as "colonialism." His remarks came during a visit by Burkina Faso's foreign minister.
Burkina Faso and Mali are currently under military rule, having severed military ties with France, their former colonial power, while strengthening relations with Russia. Niger, where a military junta took control in July, has witnessed significant protests calling for the withdrawal of troops from France, its former colonial ruler.
During his meeting with Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba in Tehran, President Raisi praised the African countries' resistance against colonialism and terrorism, without explicitly naming France. He viewed their stance as a symbol of vigilance and awareness.
Burkina Faso experienced two military coups in 2022, following which the ruling junta demanded the withdrawal of French troops from the country.
During their meeting, President Raisi expressed Iran's readiness to share its experiences and achievements with friendly African nations. Rouamba also expressed her interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Iran.
Iran has been actively cultivating ties across the African continent as part of its strategy to mitigate its isolation and counter the effects of crippling sanctions that were reimposed following the United States' withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018.
In July, President Raisi embarked on a rare tour of Africa, visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe as part of Iran's efforts to strengthen its relationships in the region.
