Learn who Ibrahim Traoré is, the man who is changing the geopolitics of Africa
A new and powerful figure emerges on the African geopolitical scene: Captain Ibrahim Traoré, just 36 years old, president of Burkina Faso. His trajectory and decisions are radically transforming the political and economic configuration of the region.
Traoré leads a movement to break away from the Western powers that, for decades, have dominated Africa's destinies through puppet governments, unequal agreements, and military interference. A trained geologist and former artillery officer, he served in the most conflict-ridden areas of northern Burkina Faso.
Witnessing the advance of terrorism and persistent misery, he began to question: why did billions in international aid not prevent the collapse of the country? Why did foreign troops remain while attacks increased? Why did mineral wealth benefit only foreign companies?
Coup, rupture, and sovereignty
In September 2022, Traoré took a decisive step: he led a coup that ousted the then transitional president Paul-Henri Damiba. In a context of widespread insecurity and discredit in Western-backed institutions, the young captain emerged as a hope for real sovereignty.
In a few months, he expelled the French armed forces, ended historical military agreements, revoked concessions from NGOs and French media such as RFI and France 24, and initiated a new foreign policy.
“Burkina Faso needs to be free,” he declared firmly. His administration has prioritized bilateral agreements with countries such as Russia, China, and Iran, seeking partnerships that do not impose subordination.
The Russian state-owned company Gazprom is already participating in the exploration of a newly discovered oil reserve, with plans for Burkina Faso not only to extract but also to refine and export derivatives. China, for its part, is betting on infrastructure and technology, without military presence.
Source: Brasil247