The Right Side of History Is to Stick with Captain Ibrahim Traoré

Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s ascent to the presidency of Burkina Faso in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for the West African nation and, arguably, for the continent as a whole. In the face of mounting internal and external pressures, Traoré has become a symbol of anti-imperialist resistance, national sovereignty, and a new vision for African self-determination. The groundswell of support for his leadership, both within Burkina Faso and across Africa, is not merely a passing political wave-it is a historic realignment. To stand with Captain Ibrahim Traoré is to stand on the right side of history.

A Leader Forged by Crisis and Principle

Ibrahim Traoré was born in 1988 in Bondokuy, Burkina Faso, and rose through the ranks of the military during some of the nation’s most turbulent years. His formative experiences as a soldier-witnessing under-equipped troops and widespread corruption-shaped his deep commitment to reform and justice245. Disillusioned with the status quo, Traoré became the voice of frustrated soldiers and citizens alike, advocating for a government that truly served its people rather than foreign interests or internal elites45.

His military career saw him participate in United Nations peacekeeping missions and lead counterterrorism operations at home, earning a reputation for courage and integrity245. By 2022, as Burkina Faso’s security situation deteriorated and public trust in leadership evaporated, Traoré emerged as the figure capable of channeling popular discontent into decisive action.

The Coup and Its Aftermath: A Mandate from the People

In September 2022, Traoré led the coup that ousted interim president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, citing Damiba’s failure to address the jihadist insurgency and widespread government corruption24. Unlike many coups that are met with skepticism or outright opposition, Traoré’s takeover was greeted with widespread relief and optimism. He quickly assumed the presidency, promising to restore security and return the country to civilian rule through democratic elections24.

Traoré’s legitimacy is not merely the product of military might-it is grounded in a popular mandate. In April 2025, thousands rallied in Ouagadougou, the capital, in a powerful demonstration of support for the transitional president38. Protesters, including prominent musicians and parliamentarians, made clear that Traoré’s leadership represents hope, dignity, and a break from the cycles of exploitation that have long plagued Burkina Faso38.

“If they want to eliminate Captain Traoré, they should eliminate the people first,” declared one demonstrator, echoing the sentiment that Traoré’s fate is now inextricably linked with the will of the Burkinabé people3.

Anti-Imperialism and the Struggle for Sovereignty

One of the defining features of Traoré’s presidency is his unapologetic stance against neocolonialism. Under his leadership, Burkina Faso expelled French troops in 2023, signaling a dramatic shift away from the country’s former colonial power4. Traoré has consistently framed Burkina Faso’s struggle not as a mere fight against terrorism but as a “war of independence” against imperialist forces seeking to control the nation’s resources and destiny47.

This anti-imperialist vision is not confined to rhetoric. Traoré has spearheaded the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a bloc with Mali and Niger dedicated to regional solidarity, mutual defense, and economic cooperation free from Western domination47. The Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), as he described in his 2025 New Year address, aims to become a model for African unity, self-determination, and development7.

Economic Reforms and Commitment to the People

Traoré’s leadership is marked by a rejection of personal enrichment in favor of national development. He famously declined his presidential salary, maintaining the modest rank of captain, and has prioritized economic self-sufficiency and anti-corruption measures4. His administration’s policies-such as the Faso Mebo program, expansion of road infrastructure, and efforts toward food sovereignty and industrialization-are practical steps toward sustainable development6.

These initiatives have not gone unnoticed. The Yoruba Nation, representing Yoruba communities across Africa and the diaspora, hailed Traoré as a “symbol of resistance, unity, and anti-imperialism,” urging other African leaders to emulate his focus on sovereignty, infrastructure, and citizen empowerment6.

“Africa needs more visionary leaders like Ibrahim Traoré who put the well-being of their people and the future of the continent first,” the Yoruba Nation declared in a statement of solidarity6.

International and Pan-African Support

Support for Captain Traoré transcends Burkina Faso’s borders. From Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie’s viral endorsement to messages of solidarity from across Africa, the Caribbean, and the African diaspora, Traoré has become a rallying point for those advocating a new era of African agency and dignity7. The global outpouring of support intensified following controversial remarks by a U.S. general, which many interpreted as an affront to Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and a catalyst for renewed anti-imperialist sentiment378.

The momentum is not just online. On April 30, 2025, coordinated rallies in Burkina Faso and beyond underscored the depth and breadth of support for Traoré’s vision378.

Resilience in the Face of Destabilization

Traoré’s government has survived multiple coup attempts and persistent efforts to destabilize the country, often linked to foreign interests and mercenary networks4. Each failed attempt has only strengthened the resolve of his supporters and reinforced the narrative that Burkina Faso’s struggle is one for genuine independence4.

His administration’s ability to withstand these challenges is a testament to both his leadership and the broad-based support he enjoys among the Burkinabé people and their allies across Africa347.

A New Dawn for Burkina Faso and Africa

The case for standing with Captain Ibrahim Traoré is compelling on several fronts:

• He embodies the aspirations of a generation seeking to break free from the cycles of foreign domination and internal corruption.

• His policies are grounded in practical reforms aimed at self-reliance, infrastructure, and national dignity.

• He has catalyzed a regional movement for sovereignty and unity, inspiring solidarity across Africa and the diaspora.

• His leadership has proven resilient and responsive in the face of both internal and external threats.

To oppose Traoré is, in effect, to side with the forces that have historically undermined African self-determination. To support him is to affirm the right of nations to chart their own course, to reject exploitation, and to build a future rooted in justice and dignity.

Conclusion: The Right Side of History

History will remember this era as a turning point for Burkina Faso and, potentially, for Africa as a whole. Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership is not without challenges, and the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty. Yet, the overwhelming evidence-from mass rallies to international endorsements, from policy reforms to steadfast resistance-shows that he stands at the vanguard of a historic movement.

To stick with Captain Ibrahim Traoré is to stand with the people of Burkina Faso, with the cause of African sovereignty, and with the universal principles of justice and self-determination. In the final analysis, this is the right side of history34678.