By On April 28, 2025, a striking post on X from African Hub (@AfricanHub_) captured a sentiment that has been brewing across the African continent for years: “America must never tell us what to do.” These words, attributed to Julius Malema, the fiery leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), were paired with a call to support Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s military leader.
The post, accompanied by images of Malema, Traoré, and a high-ranking U.S. military official, sparked a flurry of reactions, reflecting the deep geopolitical tensions shaping Africa’s future. Malema’s statement is more than a soundbite—it’s a clarion call for African sovereignty, a rejection of Western dominance, and a reflection of a broader shift in the continent’s political landscape.
Julius Malema: The Voice of Radical Change
Julius Malema, often referred to as “Juju,” is no stranger to controversy. At 43, the leader of the EFF has carved out a space as one of South Africa’s most divisive yet influential political figures. Expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) in 2012, Malema founded the EFF with a radical agenda aimed at addressing the stark inequalities that persist in post-apartheid South Africa.
As noted in a 2024 BBC News article, the EFF has positioned itself as the true inheritor of the ANC’s revolutionary spirit, advocating for policies like land expropriation without compensation, nationalization of key industries such as mines and banks, and an end to South Africa’s chronic power cuts.
Malema’s manifesto for the 2024 elections accused the ANC of reproducing and worsening apartheid-era economic disparities, a bold claim that resonates with a youth demographic—South Africa’s median age is just 28—hungry for change.
Malema’s appeal extends beyond South Africa. His tours across African nations like Ghana, Liberia, and Kenya have generated significant buzz, positioning him as a pan-African voice. However, his critics, including some X users responding to the African Hub post, argue that Malema’s influence is overstated.
One user, Peter Retief (@RetiefPeter), dismissed Malema’s relevance, noting that the EFF has dropped below fourth place in South African politics and accusing him of making defamatory statements for attention.
Yet, Malema’s ability to set the agenda on issues like economic justice and anti-Western sentiment cannot be ignored. His statement about the U.S. reflects a growing frustration with foreign interference, a sentiment shared by many African leaders and citizens alike.
Ibrahim Traoré: Burkina Faso’s Defiant Leader
At the heart of Malema’s call for support is Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s 36-year-old military leader who came to power in a September 2022 coup—the second in eight months for the West African nation. Traoré’s rise is emblematic of a wave of military takeovers in the Sahel, a region plagued by jihadist insurgencies, political instability, and the lingering effects of colonial exploitation.
According to a Wikipedia entry updated on April 28, 2025, Traoré, a career soldier, fought on the frontlines of Burkina Faso’s counter-insurgency operations, including the 2019 “Otapuanu offensive” in Djibo. Promoted to captain in 2020, he became disillusioned with Burkina Faso’s leadership, witnessing firsthand the lack of equipment for soldiers while politicians engaged in rampant corruption, handing out “suitcases of money” for bribery.
Traoré’s presidency has been marked by a rejection of traditional Western partnerships, particularly with France, Burkina Faso’s former colonial power. In a bold move, Traoré has sought to diversify Burkina Faso’s international alliances, expressing a desire for “win-win partnerships.”
This has included closer ties with Russia, with Russian troops, including the Wagner Group, deployed in Burkina Faso by January 2024, as reported by Le Monde in 2023. Traoré has also pushed for economic self-reliance, with Burkina Faso’s Council of Ministers approving the construction of the country’s first gold refinery in November 2023, a significant step toward capitalizing on its growing gold mining industry.
Traoré’s leadership has not been without challenges. An attempted coup in September 2023 and the dissolution of his government in December 2024 highlight the fragility of his regime. Yet, his vision of a federation with Mali and Guinea—both also under military leadership—signals a potential reshaping of West African geopolitics. If realized, this union would create the largest country ruled by a military junta, further complicating Western efforts to maintain influence in the region.
The U.S. and Africa: A Relationship Under Strain
Malema’s rejection of U.S. influence and his support for Traoré must be understood within the broader context of U.S.-Africa relations, which have become increasingly strained in recent years. A 2024 CSIS report titled What U.S. Elections Could Mean for Africa highlights the shifting perceptions of the U.S. on the continent.
The report notes that global shocks—ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as domestic U.S. events like the George Floyd protests and the January 6 insurrection—have altered how Africans view the United States. Deep political polarization in the U.S. has also undermined traditional bipartisan support for Africa policy, further eroding Washington’s credibility.
The war in Ukraine has been a particular point of contention. While the U.S. has led a global response to the conflict, including sanctions on Russia, these measures have had ripple effects in Africa. Higher inflation, coupled with sanctions prohibiting trade with Russia in essential commodities like fertilizer and wheat, has hurt African economies.
The “us versus them” narrative pushed by Washington at the United Nations has alienated African partners, many of whom have historical ties with Russia dating back to the Cold War. A 2024 article from the Army War College, US Relations with Africa and the New Cold War, describes Africa as a “key battleground in the global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism,” underscoring the continent’s strategic importance in an era of renewed great power competition.
For many Africans, the U.S. is seen as a hypocritical actor, preaching democracy while supporting authoritarian regimes when it suits its interests. The memory of Cold War-era proxy conflicts, which stunted development across the continent, remains fresh. U.S. policies, such as President Trump’s “Muslim ban” in 2017, have also left a bitter taste, as noted in the CSIS report.
More recently, partisan disputes in the U.S. Congress over funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—a program widely praised for its impact on HIV/AIDS in Africa—have raised doubts about Washington’s commitment to the continent. A Heritage Foundation study cited in the CSIS report warns that pursuing partisan projects in Africa risks further dividing an already polarized U.S. and undermining its global influence.
A New African Future?
Malema’s call to support Traoré is more than a show of solidarity between two leaders—it’s a manifesto for a new African future, one that prioritizes sovereignty over subservience. The X post from African Hub resonated with many users, with responses like that of @master_ureself—“Africa’s future belongs to those who refuse to bow”—capturing the defiant spirit of this movement.
Others, like @MelaninBB8, expressed frustration with the U.S., asking, “Do they think they own us or what?” These sentiments reflect a growing desire among Africans to chart their own path, free from the dictates of foreign powers.
The geopolitical implications of this shift are profound. As leaders like Traoré turn to Russia and China for support, the U.S. risks losing influence in a region rich in resources and strategic importance. Burkina Faso’s pivot to Russia, for example, mirrors similar moves by Mali and Niger, where anti-French sentiment has fueled a rejection of Western military presence.
Meanwhile, China’s Belt and Road Initiative continues to expand its footprint in Africa, offering infrastructure investments without the political strings often attached to U.S. aid.
For the U.S., the challenge is clear: adapt or be sidelined. The CSIS report suggests that insulating programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) from domestic political machinations could help rebuild trust. However, this requires a fundamental rethinking of U.S. foreign policy, one that prioritizes partnership over patronage. African leaders like Malema and Traoré are not waiting for permission—they are seizing control of their destinies, and the continent is watching.
Conclusion: The Dawn of African Agency
The X post from African Hub, with its bold declaration and evocative imagery, encapsulates a pivotal moment in African history. Julius Malema and Ibrahim Traoré represent a new generation of leaders unafraid to challenge the global status quo. While their methods and ideologies may differ—Malema as a populist politician, Traoré as a military strongman—their shared rejection of U.S. influence speaks to a deeper yearning for African agency.
As the continent grapples with the legacies of colonialism, the burdens of global conflicts, and the opportunities of a youthful population, the voices of defiance are growing louder.
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