As violence surges across Burkina Faso — with thousands killed by both jihadist factions and government forces — Captain Ibrahim Traore, the nation’s 37-year-old junta leader, is being hailed as a revolutionary voice by many African youths. Even as the country reels from escalating insecurity and a crumbling economy, Traore’s image is being celebrated across Russian state media, where he recently spoke about pan-African unity and youth empowerment during a visit to Moscow for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
His call for African self-determination and independence from former colonial powers, particularly France, continues to resonate among a youthful continent weary of entrenched political elites and perceived Western interference.
Traore’s Rising Popularity
Traore, who seized power in a September 2022 coup — the second that year — has made independence from Western influence and pan-African pride a key part of his political identity. His messaging has gained significant traction among young people not only in Burkina Faso but across Africa and within the diaspora.
This momentum peaked again in late April following reports of an alleged coup attempt and a controversial statement by General Michael Langley, the head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), who accused Traore of misusing the country’s gold reserves. The remarks ignited a surge of pro-Traore sentiment, culminating in solidarity marches in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, with citizens waving flags and chanting anti-Western slogans.
“There is a growing consciousness among African youth at home and abroad that they need to do something about the continent’s lack of progress,” said Richard Alandu, a Ghanaian who lives near the Burkina Faso border. “It appears Traore has become the face of that consciousness.”
Security Promises Unfulfilled
When Traore assumed power, he vowed to end the country’s long-standing security crisis and promised to ensure that Burkina Faso’s gold and other mineral riches would directly benefit its 24 million citizens. However, nearly two years into his leadership, the violence has only intensified.
According to data from the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), at least 7,200 people were killed by government forces and armed groups over the past year — more than double the number killed in the year leading up to Traore’s coup in 2022.
“There has been no real progress on the ground,” said Dr. Gbara Awanen, a professor of international relations and security studies at Nigeria’s Baze University. “A lot of it is just sleek propaganda. The insurgents are stronger, the government controls less territory, and more people are suffering.”
Experts estimate that over 60% of Burkina Faso’s territory is now outside government control. In addition, more than 2.1 million people have been displaced from their homes due to escalating violence, and around 6.5 million citizens are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
Breaking Away from the West
One of Traore’s boldest moves has been to pivot Burkina Faso away from long-standing alliances with Western powers. Alongside fellow coup-hit neighbors Mali and Niger, the country has withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the regional bloc of serving elite interests rather than those of ordinary citizens.
Similarly, French troops, who had long assisted in the fight against jihadists, were expelled from Burkina Faso under Traore’s orders. In their place, the country has sought closer military and diplomatic ties with Russia — a move many analysts attribute to Moscow’s growing propaganda influence in the Sahel region.
Babacar Ndiaye, a senior fellow at the Timbuktu Institute for Peace Studies in Senegal, believes Traore’s popularity is largely driven by narratives shaped by Russian-backed media.
“Despite the worsening crisis in Burkina Faso, Traore still enjoys significant popularity, and that’s because of propaganda,” Ndiaye said. “There is deep frustration with traditional leadership in Africa. The West becomes the scapegoat, and leaders like Traore tap into that sentiment.”
A Familiar Pattern in West Africa
Traore’s rise and adoration among the youth echo earlier generations of military strongmen in West Africa — figures like Jerry Rawlings in Ghana, Samuel Doe in Liberia, and Thomas Sankara in Burkina Faso itself — all of whom seized power in the 1980s under the banner of radical change.
While the track records of these leaders vary, their initial appeal often stemmed from public anger toward corrupt civilian governments and a longing for homegrown solutions. Analysts believe Traore’s carefully cultivated revolutionary image aligns with that legacy, especially as disillusionment with democratic institutions grows.
“In many parts of Africa, democracy has not delivered for the people,” said Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a legal scholar and Africa analyst at Tufts University. “What Traore does is tap into the anger and frustration of a generation that feels betrayed.”
According to Odinkalu, what sets Traore apart is not just his military credentials but the narrative he presents.
“He articulates a revolutionary message that is appealing to a young population frustrated by the thievery of what passes for ‘democracy’ in their own countries,” he added.
Hero or Illusion?
Still, critics warn that popular rhetoric cannot replace effective governance. Despite his wide appeal, Traore’s administration has failed to achieve its most critical objective — restoring security.
“There’s a real risk that this cult of personality is distracting from the human cost of the violence,” said Ndiaye. “Thousands are dead, millions are displaced, and no one is being held accountable.”
Yet, among many young Africans, especially those who view the post-colonial state as complicit in their marginalization, Traore represents a rare figure of hope.
“Whether or not he succeeds,” said Alandu, the Ghanaian observer, “he has stirred something in the hearts of young Africans — the belief that they deserve better leadership, and that it’s okay to demand it.”
