By At just 36 years old, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has emerged as a polarizing yet transformative figure in Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African nation long plagued by instability, jihadist insurgencies, and economic dependency on foreign powers.
Since seizing power in a military coup in September 2022—the second coup that year—Traoré has embarked on an ambitious mission to reshape Burkina Faso’s economy, culture, and international relations.
His policies, which prioritize self-reliance and national pride, have sparked both admiration and alarm, particularly among Western nations like France, which have historically exerted significant influence over the former colony. As Traoré’s reforms gain momentum, many are asking: Is Burkina Faso charting a new path to prosperity, or is it stepping into a geopolitical minefield?
A Leader for a New Era
Ibrahim Traoré’s rise to power came at a time of profound crisis in Burkina Faso. The country has been battered by a growing jihadist insurgency, weak governance, and recurring military coups, with the most recent in January 2022 led by Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.
According to Transparency International Defence & Security, these coups are symptomatic of deeper issues in the nation’s defense and security sectors, exacerbated by corruption and poor civilian oversight (ti-defence.org, 2024).
Traoré, who overthrew Damiba just nine months later, declared a state of emergency, citing crises in security, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. At the time, many saw his leadership as a desperate gamble—but two years on, his reforms are turning heads across the continent.
Traoré’s popularity was on full display during Ghanaian President Mahama’s inauguration in Accra on January 7, 2025, where he received the loudest applause among 21 African heads of state present (ISS African Futures, 2025).
This warm reception reflects a growing tolerance for military rule among African youth, with Afrobarometer reporting that nearly two-thirds of Burkinabé believe the armed forces should intervene when leaders abuse power. For a generation disillusioned by decades of mismanagement, Traoré represents a break from the past—a young, decisive leader unafraid to challenge the status quo.
A Vision of Self-Reliance
Traoré’s leadership is defined by a fierce commitment to economic and cultural sovereignty. In a series of bold moves, he has sought to reduce Burkina Faso’s reliance on foreign imports and influence, focusing instead on local production and national identity.
One of his flagship initiatives is the promotion of Faso Dan Fani, a traditional handwoven cotton textile emblematic of Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage. Described as the “woven loincloth of the homeland,” Faso Dan Fani has been integrated into everyday life, from school uniforms to courtroom attire for lawyers, replacing European-style wigs and imported clothing (Storie EU, en.storieshop.com).
Traoré has also banned the importation of second-hand clothes, encouraging Burkinabé to embrace African-made garments—a move that supports local artisans and reduces dependency on Western markets.
Economically, Traoré has prioritized industrialization and resource control. Burkina Faso, endowed with substantial gold reserves, has historically exported raw materials, reaping minimal benefits. Under Traoré, the country opened its first gold refinery in 2024, processing 142 tonnes of ore to produce 93 kilograms of refined gold.
He also nationalized the Boungou and Wahgnion gold mines for $80 million—a steep discount from the $300 million price initially agreed upon by Endeavour Mining—demonstrating Burkina Faso’s newfound negotiating power.
Additionally, Traoré suspended the export of raw cashew nuts to boost domestic processing and launched a $12 million tomato processing factory, making Burkina Faso the first former French colony in the Sahel to produce tomato concentrate.
Agricultural reforms have been equally ambitious. Traoré has provided students with two hectares of land each, supported by grains, boreholes, and agro-equipment, while farmers received 400 tractors, 953 motorcycles, 68,964 tonnes of fertilizer, and other supplies to enhance productivity. The establishment of the National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing further cements Burkina Faso’s position as Africa’s largest cotton producer, a critical step toward economic independence.
Redefining International Alliances
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Traoré’s tenure is his reorientation of Burkina Faso’s international relations. Historically a French ally, Burkina Faso has seen a dramatic shift under Traoré’s leadership. In a historic move, he expelled French troops, officially ending Operation Sabre with a flag-lowering ceremony near Ouagadougou in February 2023 (Wikipedia, 2025).
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern over Russia’s growing influence in the region, calling it “predatory,” but Traoré has doubled down, welcoming Russian military contractors to support counter-insurgency efforts and reopening Russia’s embassy in Burkina Faso after a 31-year closure.
Traoré has also distanced Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Niger in 2024—a confederation that includes plans for a stabilization fund, a bank, and an economic study committee.
A new biometric passport, conspicuously lacking the ECOWAS logo, symbolizes this break. Additionally, Traoré dropped French as an official language, elevating local languages in its place, further signaling a rejection of colonial legacies.
Why the West Is Worried
Traoré’s reforms, while popular domestically, have made him a target for Western powers, particularly France, which has seen its influence in the Sahel wane since 2022. As Dr Penking, a prominent X user, noted in a viral thread on April 26, 2025, “The West is not impressed” by Traoré’s rapid transformation of Burkina Faso.
In just two years, he has dismantled decades of neocolonial structures, from economic dependency to cultural imposition. France, which once maintained a military presence in Burkina Faso, now finds itself sidelined as Traoré aligns with Russia and prioritizes local production over foreign imports.
The implications of Traoré’s policies extend beyond Burkina Faso. His emphasis on self-reliance resonates with a broader African push for control over natural resources and cultural identity at a time of declining international aid (ISS African Futures, 2025).
If Burkina Faso succeeds in transforming its economy and security landscape, it could inspire other African nations to follow suit, challenging the geopolitical order that has long favored Western interests.
Challenges Ahead
Despite his achievements, Traoré faces significant hurdles. The jihadist insurgency that has plagued Burkina Faso for years shows no signs of abating, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence (Transparency International Defence & Security, 2024).
The recurring coups and political instability underscore the need for comprehensive reforms in the defense and security sectors—a task easier said than done. Moreover, Traoré’s decision to extend his transition period until at least 2029, despite earlier promises to restore democratic rule by July 2024, has raised concerns about the longevity of military governance.
Traoré’s popularity among the youth and his bold reforms have given Burkina Faso a renewed sense of hope, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Can he deliver on his promises of security and prosperity, or will his tenure repeat the mistakes of past military rulers? As Dr Penking aptly asked, “Imagine if he stays for 10 years.” For now, the world watches as Burkina Faso stands at a crossroads—between genuine transformation and the risk of deeper instability.
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