US Edition‘The Cult of Saint Traoré’: How a Russia-Backed Junta Leader Became an Icon
- Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a September 2022 coup and became Burkina Faso's interim president at age 34.
- His rise followed mounting violence, jihadist control of 40 percent of territory, and widespread frustration with traditional leadership and Western influence.
- Traoré rejects Western dominance, condemns IMF loans as 'modern slavery,' builds ties with Russia and China, expelled French troops, and promotes pan-African unity and economic self-reliance.
- His leadership sparked a cult of personality bolstered by social media and AI tributes, but also drew criticism for authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and tenuous security gains amid ongoing insurgency.
- Burkina Faso faces over 2.6 million displaced, terrorism-related deaths highest globally in 2024, and uncertain regional stability amid deepening Russia ties and international scrutiny.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Burkina Faso: 'elections not a priority compared to security', says military leader
Almost a year after seizing power in a coup, Captain Ibrahim Traore, who had promised a return to presidential elections by July 2024, in Burkina Faso, announced planned changes to the constitution to make it representative of the masses, declaring Friday, on state TV, that elections are not a prior
From Beyoncé to R. Kelly, AI music videos praise Burkina Faso's junta leader Ibrahim Traoré
Since the beginning of May, a surge of music videos singing the praises of Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso's military leader, voiced by top English-speaking singers. These are deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence, featuring stars like Beyonce, Justin Bieber, R. Kelly, Rihanna -- and experts say it could be a "coordinated campaign." The France 24 Observers did a deep dive into when and why this wave of English pro-Traoré content began appe…
Burkina Faso’s government of change confronts imperialism
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, 34 years old, became the provisional head of Burkina Faso’s government after a military coup in September 2022. The state he now leads is seeking to finish off the remnants of French colonial power, build economic independence, develop infrastructure, satisfy some of the population’s basic needs, and ward off U.S. intervention. The lesson to be taken from happenings there is that in the Global South, national independence…
Can military ruler Traoré be the leader Burkinabè hope for? – The Mail & Guardian
In September 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in Burkina Faso through a military coup, becoming the world’s youngest head of state. Many Africans see him as a break from elected leaders who have long misused democratic institutions for personal gain. He cut salary hikes, nationalised two gold mines, and limited gold exports to Europe, moves hailed as defiance of neo-colonialism. The strong support for Traoré across Africa is understand…
Africa: Langley Stands By Criticism of Traore, Cites Inadequate Anti-Terror Funding
Nairobi -- US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley has defended his criticism of Burkina Faso's military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, citing underspending on anti-terror efforts.
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