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Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, has recently emerged as a notable name in international politics. The reason behind its prominence stems from its interim president, Ibrahim Traoré. At just 37 years old, this young leader has attracted significant attention across Africa and the Western world. He has gained widespread popularity for his ideological stance against neo-colonialist influence and for promoting Pan-Africanism. His supporters view him as the successor to Thomas Sankara, the Marxist revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso, who is often referred to as the “Che Guevara of Africa.” Today, many Africans see him as a groundbreaking figure in the mission to liberate Africa from Western hegemony and to pave the way for a more developed and self-reliant continent.

However, Ibrahim Traoré's rise to power was significantly influenced by the shifting political landscape of the country. Although Burkina Faso gained independence from France in 1960, it remained within France's political sphere of influence until the military coup in 2022. In January 2022, Colonel Damiba led a military uprising against the then France-backed President Kaboré, seizing control of the government. However, just months later, frustrated by Damiba's failure to curb the terrorist activities of separatist groups, a faction of young officers staged another coup, ousting him from power. This rebellion was spearheaded by Ibrahim Traoré, who subsequently assumed power as the interim president of the country to this day. 

After seizing control, Captain Ibrahim Traoré played a pivotal role in the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. Following the military takeovers in these countries, ECOWAS imposed various sanctions and suspended their memberships. The military governments leveraged these sanctions to rally domestic support, portraying ECOWAS's interventions as external meddling in national sovereignty. Consequently, the sanctions not only failed to achieve their intended political objectives but also intensified the military regimes' resolve to resist external pressures. Subsequently, these three countries formed an alternative alliance called the Alliance of Sahel States, which obligates member states to assist each other, including through the use of armed force, to restore and ensure security. 

Moreover, upon assuming power, Traoré’s government severed ties with the former colonial power, France, and strengthened strategic relations with Russia and Turkey. Under Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso has adopted leftist economic policies, expelled French troops, and deployed Russian paramilitary brigades in the country. Moreover, the country is actively working to enhance its bilateral relations with Turkey by strengthening cooperation in defense, security, education, health, development, and trade sectors. It will be recalled that Denmark recently stated its commitment to supporting Burkina Faso. Mr. Traoré's popularity in Africa has grown dramatically because of such a radical change in state policy, said Enoch Randy Aikins, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa.

In 2023, Traoré drew the attention of the West through his speech at the Russia-Africa Summit. At that time, he addressed European leaders with his declaration, “We do not ask for anyone's mercy. Europeans do not need to be great to put food in our mouths. The vast resources that we have been plundered by colonial Europeans for centuries. We want to get out of this.” He also spoke to African leaders, stating, “We, the heads of African states, must stop acting as puppets ready to act whenever the imperialists pull the strings.” Such comments are rarely heard from leaders of African nations. Instead, they often focus on forging alliances with the Western world to gain power and ensure their political survival. Hence, these actions presented a self-reliant stance that conveys a message to other African leaders and global powers about the new rise of anti-imperialism in the “heart of West Africa.” 

Traoré's economic initiatives are also noteworthy. His military government has nationalized several gold mines previously owned by foreign companies. The government's aim to take greater control over foreign-owned industrial mining operations seeks to secure a larger share of revenue from the nation's natural resources. This initiative is fueled by the goal of maximizing income from the country's extensive gold reserves and revitalizing an economy adversely affected by security challenges. Previously, a significant amount of gold was illicitly smuggled out of the country. This illegal trade not only robs the nation of substantial revenue but also serves as a primary financial source for terrorist organizations in the region. 

According to the World Bank, although inflation has risen in Burkina Faso, extreme poverty has decreased by about two percent in 2024 compared to 2023. Furthermore, the junta government has made "significant progress" in domestic revenue collection, increased spending on education, and advancements in the health and security sectors, as stated by the International Monetary Fund in a statement in April. 

Conversely, many analysts argue that Traoré's actions have not improved the country's security situation. Additionally, his government's actions to suppress opposition are highly criticized. However, Traoré's charismatic and visionary steps are changing the reality of West Africa. After a meeting during a visit to Russia to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory in World War II, he posted on social media that he and the military leaders of neighboring countries Mali and Niger are “determined to win the war against terrorism and imperialism.” 

Analysts believe his popularity has also spread among African-Americans and Black Britons. Although he came to power through a military coup, Traoré enjoys substantial popular support, especially among young people. His legitimacy does not stem from electoral democracy but from a narrative of protection, sovereignty, and action during a crisis. His influence is not confined to Burkina Faso; it resonates across Africa, challenging traditional power dynamics and inspiring a generation to rethink what leadership and independence truly mean. Africans embrace him as their leader to liberate the continent from the impacts of apartheid, imperialism, and slavery. However, it remains to be seen whether he will falter like his predecessor Thomas Sankara or become one of Africa's greatest leaders of all time.

Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman is an independent researcher. Rahat Chowdhury is an MA student in History at Jahangirnagar University.

Disclaimer: Views in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect CGS policy.