OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — When Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in September 2022, few outside Burkina Faso had heard of him. At 34, he was Africa’s youngest leader. Many expected him to be a brief chapter in the region’s cycle of military takeovers.
Today, nearly three years later, Traoré is anything but a footnote.
Videos of him chatting with market traders, playing football with children, or delivering fiery speeches circulate widely on social media. Supporters praise his accessibility, his defiance of former colonial powers, and his apparent sense of mission.
But beneath the surface of popular appeal lies a country on edge, facing threats both internal and international.
“My biggest regret is that I spent a good part of my youth listening to radio stations like RFI and France 24,” Traoré said in a recent interview. “They are conditioning our brains to accept what they want.”
This kind of talk has earned him admiration across Africa, particularly among the youth, who often see foreign powers as exploiters rather than allies.
“He speaks or acts in a manner that ostracises and politically exorcises the domination by imperialist powers,” said political analyst Javas Bigambo, referring to France’s long-standing influence in the region.
A Young Voice for a Young Continent
Burundi’s former foreign minister, Alain Aimé Nyamitwe, believes Traoré’s youth plays a major role in his appeal.
“He is young like them,” Nyamitwe told The Times. “Sixty per cent of Africa’s population is under 25. They see him as one of their own — someone who understands their frustrations.”
That connection has helped Traoré maintain a firm grip on power — despite the challenges that have followed his rise.
There have been at least three known coup attempts since he ousted interim leader Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. The most recent plot, authorities claim, involved a network based in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.
Ouagadougou pointed fingers across the border. Abidjan fired back, denying any involvement.
Nyamitwe cautioned against drawing fast conclusions.
“I wouldn’t say Côte d’Ivoire as a state is behind this. We don’t have the evidence,” he said. “This is a time for diplomacy — calm dialogue, not accusations.”
On the Streets, a Show of Strength
On the streets of the capital, Ouagadougou, Traoré’s supporters have been vocal in defence of their leader.
“We agree with our President,” activist Blandine Gansonre said during a recent demonstration. “Those who want to destroy Burkina Faso should stay where they are.”
That passion has grown as the government continues to claim it’s under threat. In January, officials said they thwarted a coup involving both active and retired soldiers. Just months before, in September 2023, another alleged attempt was revealed.
Nyamitwe sees these as symptoms of a deeper issue.
“Transitions can’t last forever,” he said. “At some point, he’ll have to say, ‘Now we go for elections.’ That moment will be tricky.”
Security First, Then Sovereignty
Traoré justified his takeover by saying Damiba failed to secure the country from extremist violence. He promised to restore peace and Burkina Faso’s territorial integrity.
Progress has been mixed.
“I wouldn’t say he’s ended the insurgency,” Nyamitwe noted. “If anything, the situation may have worsened. But he’s tried new approaches — shifting alliances, bringing in other groups to fight terror.”
Traoré has distanced the country from its Western partners. He now looks more to Russia and Türkiye.
“He has changed partners, yes,” said Bigambo. “But also, around 1.5 million displaced people have returned home since he took office. That’s no small feat.”
Taking the Gold Back
In one of his boldest moves, Traoré’s government seized control of major gold mines — nationalising assets once operated by foreign companies.
Burkina Faso is Africa’s fourth-largest gold producer. For decades, that wealth has largely benefited firms abroad.
Now, Traoré wants it to serve his people.
Western firms have pushed back. But across the region, many see it as long overdue.
“Institutions like the African Union and ECOWAS need to ask tough questions,” Bigambo said. “They mustn’t allow outside interests to meddle in Burkina Faso’s internal affairs.”
Can Popularity Outlast Pressure?
Traoré’s star continues to rise in parts of Africa. His speeches resonate. His defiance of France and other former colonial powers inspires.
But admiration alone won’t secure Burkina Faso’s future.
The country faces armed threats, economic strain, and regional tensions. Traoré’s supporters see a visionary. His critics see an uncertain gamble.
The true test will be whether this young captain can turn passion into policy — and transition from revolutionary to statesman.
