Kennedy Kiser
At age 37, Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s young leader, is going viral for his pan-African speeches and anti-Western stance. Still, his ties to Russia raise difficult questions about sovereignty and influence in West Africa.
Ibrahim Traoré, president of the transition in Burkina Faso, during a 2023 meeting with the African Union Peace and Security Council in Ouagadougou. Voice of America. CC0 1.0.
In 2022, few people outside West Africa had heard the name Ibrahim Traoré. But after leading Burkina Faso’s second coup in a single year, the young military officer declared himself interim president and began capturing attention far beyond his borders. Just 34 years old at the time, Traoré quickly earned the title of the world’s youngest head of state. Today, he’s not just a political figure; he’s a viral symbol of anti-colonial resistance, pan-African unity and generational defiance.
Clips of his speeches, in which he calls out Western interference and praises African independence, have garnered thousands of shares. He speaks in plain, bold language, denouncing France’s decades-long military presence in the region, calling for self-sufficiency and urging young Africans to stand up for their continent. Online, he’s become a kind of icon, hailed by some as a “new [Thomas] Sankara,” Burkina Faso’s legendary 1980s revolutionary leader..
To understand the hype around Traoré, it helps to know where he comes from and where Burkina Faso is now. A landlocked country in West Africa, Burkina Faso has faced years of instability. Jihadist attacks have killed thousands and displaced millions, particularly in rural areas. In January 2022, the military ousted the elected president, claiming he had failed to stop the violence. Just eight months later, Traoré led another coup, accusing the transitional government of the same.
Ibrahim Traoré, president of the transition, welcomed at Ouagadougou Airport after the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit. EKokou. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Traoré’s military background is central to his image. A former artillery officer, Traoré doesn’t try to appear diplomatic or polished. He often speaks in his fatigues, bluntly and without scripts. In one widely circulated quote, he said, “A slave who cannot assume his own revolt does not deserve to be pitied.” His words have resonated with the population, especially with younger Africans frustrated by decades of foreign involvement and slow development, encouraging them to take up the fight against imperialism and poverty.
Traoré has tapped into a wave of anti-colonial sentiment that has been growing in many parts of Africa. As France has pulled its troops out of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — countries it once tightly controlled — new leaders have emerged calling for a clean break from Western alliances. In this context, Traoré’s youth, confidence and unapologetic speeches have made him a standout figure.
Poster of Burkina Faso’s interim president Ibrahim Traoré shaking hands with Vladimir Putin, displayed in Ouagadougou. Achille Abboud / IMAGO. CC BY 2.0.
At the same time, however, his growing alignment with Russia complicates the picture. Since taking office, Traoré has cut military ties with France and instead sought support from the Russian state, including potential connections with the controversial Wagner Group. Russian flags have even been spotted at rallies in Ouagadougou, the capital. To critics, this raises the question: Is Burkina Faso really asserting independence, or is it just shifting from one foreign power to another?
These contradictions matter. While Traoré’s popularity continues to grow, there are signs of concern. Journalists have reported media crackdowns, and several NGOs have had their work restricted. Some citizens worry about increasing authoritarianism, even as others remain hopeful that this new leadership will bring lasting change.
Still, it’s clear Traoré has struck a chord. In a region where many young people feel disillusioned with traditional politics, his style feels fresh and powerful. Whether he’s the beginning of something larger or simply a temporary face in a long history of unrest remains to be seen. But for now, his surge in popularity is reshaping how many view leadership, liberation and what it means to take control of your country’s future.
GET INVOLVED:
Want to better understand the rise of anti-colonial movements in West Africa? Here are a few ways to stay informed and engaged:
Follow and Share: Keep up with developments in Burkina Faso and the broader Sahel region by following African journalists and news accounts on social media. Instagram Reels and TikToks, often spotlight pan-African voices and political commentary.
Support Independent African Media: Subscribe to The Continent, a free weekly newspaper produced by Mail & Guardian, or donate to organizations that fund local journalism across Africa.
Stay Informed: For in-depth coverage, explore the BBC’s Africa news section or the Washington Post’s special report on Russia’s expanding presence in the Sahel.
Kennedy Kiser
Kennedy is an English and Comparative Literature major at UNC Chapel Hill. She’s interested in storytelling, digital media, and narrative design. Outside of class, she writes fiction and explores visual culture through film and games. She hopes to pursue a PhD and eventually teach literature! @kennedy_kiser