Revolution in the Sahel: Barron Sounds the Alarm
(HKR-05-05-25) On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D interviewed Charles Barron. He is a former NYC Councilman and a longtime activist. The conversation focused on Burkina Faso, West Africa. Barron described it as “one of the most exciting times to be alive.”
“There’s a revolution happening in the Sahel,” Barron said. “And it’s about self-determination, kicking out the imperialists, and taking back the land.”
He pointed to Burkina Faso’s young leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who has become a symbol of this shift. “He’s the second coming of Thomas Sankara,” Barron said. He referenced the revolutionary who renamed Upper Volta to Burkina Faso. It means Land of Upright People.
Neocolonialism Called Out
Barron emphasized that these so-called coups were not the same as Western-backed regime changes. “These are people-supported movements,” he explained. “They said to France, ‘Get the hell out of Africa and take America with you.’”
He criticized AFRICOM and its expansion under President Obama, arguing it furthered U.S. military control across the continent. “Obama built more military bases in Africa than any other president,” Barron noted. “Nobody demonstrated against that.”
“Black Faces in High Places” Doesn’t Equal Power
The discussion turned toward domestic politics. Barron challenged the belief that Black representation automatically leads to progress. “It’s not that Black folks can’t govern,” he said. “They were never given real power. It’s just the Black face of white power.”
New York City has Black leadership across key government positions, he pointed out. Yet, communities still suffer high poverty. Unemployment remains high. “The complexion changed, but not the direction.”
BRICS and Global Power Shift
Barron also highlighted the rise of the BRICS coalition (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). More countries, including Burkina Faso, are joining to break from U.S. and European economic domination. “This is scaring the West,” Barron said. “They can no longer use the IMF or World Bank as weapons.”
According to Barron, the BRICS expansion is a challenge to the G7. It signals that “the American empire is declining.”
Final Words: The Struggle Continues
Barron concluded with hope. “This is the greatest time to be alive,” he said. “I thought I’d pass the baton, but revolution will come in my lifetime.”
He urged listeners to stay politically sharp and question both parties. “Don’t get comfortable with your oppression just because someone smiles while they exploit you.”
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