Iran Applauds African Nations’ Fight Against “Colonialism”

On Monday, Ebrahim Raisi, the president of Iran, praised African nations for fighting “colonialism” while the foreign minister of Burkina Faso was in his country.

Currently, military juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali have cut military connections with France, a former colonial power, and strengthened ties with Russia.

There have been numerous rallies in Niger, where a military junta took control in July, demanding that French troops leave.

During a meeting with Olivia Rouamba, the foreign minister of Burkina Faso, on Monday in Tehran, Raisi “praised the resistance of African countries in the face of colonialism and terrorism,” without explicitly mentioning France.

He praised their attitude as a “sign of vigilance and awakening,” according to a statement posted on the website of the Iranian president.

After two military takeovers in Burkina Faso in 2022, the ruling junta subsequently demanded that French troops leave the nation.

Raisi stated at their discussion with Rouamba that Iran was eager to “share its experiences and achievements with friendly African countries.”

The Iranian presidency statement claims that Rouamba indicated interest in enhancing bilateral ties with Iran.

In an effort to lessen its isolation and counteract the effects of crushing sanctions reimposed since the United States withdrew from a meticulously negotiated nuclear deal in 2018, Iran has been strengthening ties across the African continent.

Raisi embarked on a rare African tour in July that took him to Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Uganda.