Aminata Dramane Traoré

Views Traoré is a prominent critic of globalization and the economic policies of the most developed nations. Specifically, she has voiced opposition to the Western countries' subsidization of their own cotton farmers, which leaves West African countries at a disadvantage in competing for space in Western markets. Traoré is one of the signatories, or members of the Group of Nineteen, of the Porto Alegre Manifesto issued at the 2005 World Social Forum.

She defended Ahmed Sékou Touré, the long-time president of neighbouring Guinea, saying his bad reputation as a dictator and his attempts at exterminating the Fulas from the Fouta Djalon in Guinea were due to propaganda and misinformation.

Published works 1999 L'étau. L'Afrique dans un monde sans frontières. Babel Actes Sud. 2002 Le Viol de l'Imaginaire. Fayard/Actes Sud. 2005 Lettre au Président des Français à propos de la Côte d'Ivoire et de l'Afrique en général. Fayard. 2008 L'Afrique humiliée. Fayard. 2012 L'Afrique mutilée. Taama Editions.

Awards 1995 – Ciwara Prize of Excellence 1996 – Knight of the National Order of Mali 2004 – Prince Claus Cultural Award (Netherlands) 2006 – Official of the National Order of Mali 2008 – Commentator of the National Order of Mali