Burkina Faso’s Path to Sovereignty and Development Under Ibrahim Traoré

In a world where former colonial powers still wield disproportionate influence over African nations, Burkina Faso stands out as a bold exception. Under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the West African nation is charting a new course-one defined by sovereignty, self-reliance, and a fierce rejection of neocolonial exploitation.

Since coming to power in 2022, Traoré has made it clear that Burkina Faso will no longer be subservient to foreign interests. His government has expelled French troops, realigned diplomatic ties toward Russia and other Global South partners, and prioritized domestic solutions to the country’s security and economic challenges. While Western media often portray these moves as controversial, they reflect a broader Pan-Africanist vision: a Burkina Faso that controls its own destiny.

Security and Sovereignty First
Burkina Faso’s most immediate struggle is against jihadist insurgencies that have destabilized the Sahel region for years. Previous administrations, closely tied to France, relied on Western military support with little success. Traoré, however, has taken a different approach-strengthening partnerships with Russia and neighboring Mali and Niger, while investing in local defense forces. The results are still unfolding, but the shift signals a refusal to outsource national security to foreign powers with questionable motives.

Economic Self-Determination
Traoré’s government has also emphasized economic sovereignty. Burkina Faso is rich in gold, yet for decades, foreign corporations extracted these resources with minimal benefit to the Burkinabé people. Under Traoré, the state has taken a more assertive stance, renegotiating mining contracts and redirecting revenue toward infrastructure and social programs. This echoes the vision of Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader, who famously said, “He who feeds you, controls you.”

A New Model for Africa?
Traoré’s leadership is part of a wider wave of anti-imperialist resistance across the Sahel. Coups in Mali and Niger have followed similar patterns—rejecting French influence, seeking alternative alliances, and prioritizing national sovereignty over Western-approved “democracy.” Critics dismiss these shifts as authoritarian, but they overlook a crucial truth: many Africans see Western-backed regimes as corrupt and exploitative. Traoré’s popularity stems from his defiance of this status quo.

Challenges Ahead
Of course, significant obstacles remain. Burkina Faso still faces security threats, economic hardships, and the risk of foreign destabilization. Traoré’s government must ensure that its nationalist rhetoric translates into tangible improvements for ordinary citizens. But the direction is clear: Burkina Faso is done begging for scraps from the tables of former colonizers.

In an era where Africa is often treated as a pawn in global power struggles, Ibrahim Traoré represents something radical—a leader who dares to put his people first. Whether he succeeds or fails, his defiance sends a powerful message: true development begins with sovereignty.

The Jihadist Insurgency
Burkina Faso has been battling Islamist militant groups—including affiliates of Al-Qaeda and ISIS—since the mid-2010s. These insurgencies, spilling over from Mali, have displaced nearly 2 million Burkinabé and killed thousands. Previous governments, backed by France, relied on Operation Barkhane (France’s counterterrorism mission in the Sahel) and the G5 Sahel coalition. Yet, despite a decade of Western military presence, the violence only worsened.

Traoré’s New Approach
Traoré, like many in Burkina Faso, saw France’s military presence as ineffective and even exploitative. In early 2023, his government:

• Expelled French troops and terminated defense agreements with France.
• Strengthened ties with Russia, bringing in Wagner Group (now Africa Corps) mercenaries for training and support.
• Formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with Mali and Niger, creating a regional security bloc independent of Western influence.

Has It Worked?
Results are mixed. Some areas have seen reduced jihadist activity, but attacks persist. Critics argue that relying on Russian mercenaries replaces one foreign dependency with another. However, Traoré’s supporters counter that Russia, unlike France, does not have a colonial history in Burkina Faso and offers a more pragmatic partnership.