Who is Africa’s new visionary leader Ibrahim Traoré?

Russia’s VE day was a fearsome spectacle viewed in awe by millions around the world. Leaders of the global south assembled in impressive numbers behind the figureheads of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jingping, but one man caught the curiosity of the world. His charming red bonnet and radiant face stood out from the elderly suits and ties, cutting something of the romantic freedom fighter amongst the powers that be.

A young, charismatic leader from Burkina Faso is starting to cause a sensation across the wider world. Ibrahim Traoré is only 37 years old but he has now led Burkina Faso’s junta since a coup took him to power in 2022. He has built his reputation on being anti-western and anti-imperialist, urging African countries to throw off the chains of their former colonisers. His rhetoric is distinctly Pan-African and has roused nationalist fervour in his home country. To commemorate rallies in support of a “new Africa”, he took to X on April 30th to write: “In solidarity, we will defeat imperialism and neo-colonialism for a free, dignified and sovereign Africa.”

Since the beginning of his rule, comparisons have been drawn against historical Pan-African figures such as Kwame Nkrumah and Thomas Sankara. It is with Sankara, the old, domestically popular leader of Burkina Faso who was assassinated in 1987 that comparisons are most closely drawn. Such comparisons are very much in Traoré’s interest. Sankara enjoys near-legendary status in Burkina Faso, a status that Traore is currently trying to cultivate. Speaking in an interview with Maghrebi, Beverly Ochieng, a Senior Analyst at Francophone Africa at Control Risks and a senior associate of the Africa Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies said that “I think he has fashioned himself on Sankara which is not unusual in Burkina Faso or as a Pan-Africanist. He is media savvy and he has not played down comparisons between himself and Sankara.” 

Sankara is a perennial presence in the nation’s political and cultural consciousness and social media has only intensified this state of affairs. Traoré has effectively used social media to spread Pan-African ideals, particularly among younger audiences in Burkina Faso and beyond. Traoré uses social media to elevate his image, sometimes blurring the line between reality and myth, as Ms Ochieng noted “his online sensationalism can make his reputation seem quite inflated and so there is a larger than life presence to Traoré because of this.” Opposition to Traoré on social media is often met with a large backlash from passionate supporters of him who are intent on propagating their image of him. 

AI generated images of western celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Beyonce singing his praises have been spread online, increasing the myth but at the cost of the truth. But Traoré has gained legitimate credibility from African leaders as well as with citizens due to his Pan-African ideals. Ms Ochieng said that such ideals “have worked both ways for him – he did come into politics with some Pan-African ideals but he has also used them as a sentiment that gives him credibility.” His Pan-African ambitions are entwined with his anti-western views and his political actions reflect this fact. Traoré has expelled French military forces from Burkina Faso and has set about nationalising key resource industries including two gold-mines formerly owned by London-based companies. 

The economic forecast has been positive for Burkina Faso in the wake of Traoré’s actions. But Ms Ochieng warned that whilst “IMF projections are quite positive but economic improvements may be a way off. Without the technological capacity to use mines it will be difficult to use them as a means for economic growth. As a result the Burkina Faso economy will remain in a fragile state.” Whilst Traoré has expelled the French military, he has also tightened the country’s relationship with Russia whom he will hope can provide him with the technological means to develop the economy. In a highly symbolic performance, Traoré was welcomed on an official visit to Moscow for the country’s 80th anniversary of victory over the Nazis in the Second World War. 

A closening of ties with Russia has been met with concern in the west. According to Ms Ochieng, “Russia entering the region has led to a heightened sense of insurgency. Russia may not have good will for the Sahel. The Sahel has become a geopolitical playground.” But, despite the risks Traoré is intent on improving relations with Russia. His strategy is two-fold. On the one hand Russia can supply Traoré with economic and military resources that will be crucial to developing Burkina Faso in the way that he aims to in the years ahead. But Russia also has an emotional resonance for the Burkinabe people and this is something that Traoré is well aware of. Sankara held healthy relations with the USSR and so once again Traoré is seeking to mould himself – and his country – in Sankara’s image.

Tightening relations with Russia does not come without its risks but so far it has certainly proved more popular than allowing the French to maintain a military presence in the country. According to Ms Ochieng “the break with France was ideological but there was also a feeling that France’s military support was inadequate; however that is not to say that things have improved with Russia.” What Traoré’s actions do prove is that he is bold, ambitious and willing to put his country first. His rejection of France and his country’s imperialist past has had a rallying effect on a younger generation of Burkinabe who are ready to get behind a dynamic and forward thinking young president.  

In just under three years, Traoré has demonstrated his boldness and ambition and his willingness to put Burkina Faso first. His rejection of imperialist ties has struck a chord with a younger generation eager to rally behind a dynamic, defiant leader and his alliance with Russia has evoked a nostalgic sentiment amongst an older generation. Whether he delivers on his promises or merely perpetuates the myth that he is trying to cultivate remains to be seen – but for now, his star is rising and his role on the world stage is growing. 

X/ Youtube/ Beverly Ochieng