Two Years, One Question: Has Ibrahim Traoré Delivered?
Unlike Nigeria’s democrazy,When Captain Ibrahim Traoré, just 34 years old, seized power in Burkina Faso in a dramatic military coup back in 2022, the world watched in shock. The youngest head of state in Africa at the time, Traoré promised one thing: stability and sovereignty.
Fast forward two years, and the headlines tell a different story or do they?
Depending on who you ask, Traoré is either the people’s champion fighting French neocolonialism or a military dictator tightening his grip under the guise of patriotism.
From Idealist to Iron Fist?
At first, Traoré’s fiery rhetoric won him love from a frustrated youth base. He expelled French troops, questioned IMF interference, and promoted the slogan: “Africa for Africans.” He was bold, unfiltered, and — for many — the leader West Africa most wanted needed.
But with time, admiration has turned to caution.
Under his regime, journalists have been silenced, civil liberties curtailed, and political opposition crushed. His government suspended media outlets, shut down dissent, and pushed anti-French propaganda while tightening ties with Russia’s Wagner Group.
So… has Traoré gone rogue? well, let’s find out as we move on.
A War Still Raging
Let’s not forget: Burkina Faso is still at war.
The country continues to battle jihadist insurgencies that have displaced over 2 million people and killed thousands. Traoré argues that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, which he is out for, and that he needs military control to win this war.
But critics say the focus has shifted from peace to power consolidation. And that’s where the real controversy lies. we move
“Liberator of the Sahel” or Just Another Soldier with a Throne?
Many Pan-Africanists have hailed Traoré as a hero, grouping him with other new-age “anti-imperial” leaders like Mali’s Assimi Goïta and Guinea’s Mamady Doumbouya. Together, they’ve rejected France, embraced sovereignty, and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
To their supporters, they’re building a new Africa.
To their critics, they’re authoritarian populists exploiting public anger to stay in power. One activist put it bluntly:
“What’s the difference between a corrupt civilian president and a soldier who bans elections? One wears a suit. The other wears camouflage.” Well, it all depends on one’s point of view
What’s Next for Ibrahim Traoré?
That’s the billion-CFA question.
Traoré says elections will come “when security is guaranteed.” But there’s no clear timeline. In the meantime, he’s launched nationwide recruitment drives, fortified the army, and continues to rule by decree.
Some say he’s doing what needs to be done. Others say it’s déjà vu — another African leader turned strongman, another revolution swallowed by realpolitik.
Thoughts: Two Years In A Legacy in the Making or Breaking?
Burkina Faso has seen 8 coups since independence. It’s a nation tired of empty promises, foreign puppeteering, and cosmetic democracy. Traoré rose to power on the hope of breaking that cycle.
Two years later, the hope still lingers, but so does the fear.
Is Ibrahim Traoré building a new era for Burkina Faso — or simply repeating the same old script with younger actors? Time will tell. But for now, Africa — and the world — is watching.
