Burkina Faso’s military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré issued a stark warning on Tuesday, declaring that a “black winter—cold and bloody” threatens West Africa unless nations unite against what he described as imperialism and external interference.

In a fiery address, Traoré—asserted: “Africans either unite forever against imperialism, or resign themselves to being slaves until they disappear.” He framed the region as facing existential threats from foreign powers seeking control over resources and sovereignty, urging unbreakable solidarity among Sahel countries to resist domination.

The speech aligns with AES’s recent initiatives, including the launch of a joint 5,000-strong military force, the unveiling of AES TV to counter disinformation, and efforts to deepen integration following the bloc’s withdrawal from ECOWAS over coup-related sanctions.

Traoré’s rhetoric continues a strong anti-Western stance since his 2022 coup, during which Burkina Faso expelled French troops and pivoted toward Russia amid ongoing jihadist insurgencies. Observers suggest the warning reflects heightened tensions with ECOWAS, U.S. criticisms, and broader regional instability.

The AES, formed in 2023, has positioned itself as a self-reliant bloc seeking to redefine West Africa’s security and political landscape in the face of mounting challenges.