Can Ibrahim Traore be said to as the new Thomas Sankara? Featured

By Abdulhadi Ameen September 21, 2023 5386

Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is bordered by Mali to the north and west, Niger to the east, Benin, Togo, and Ghana to the south.

The Mossi people in the 11th and 13th centuries were the first to settle in the area. They established powerful kingdoms such as the Ouagadougou, Tenkodogo, and Yatenga.

In the 19th century, the French colonized Upper Volta as part of French West Africa. The country gained independence in 1960.

Since independence, Burkina Faso has experienced a number of challenges, including political instability, droughts, famines, and a growing security crisis.

In 1984, the country's name changed into Burkina Faso, meaning "Land of the Incorruptible People".

Despite the challenges, Burkina Faso is a strong country with a rich culture and history. The people of Burkina Faso are known for their hospitality and their strong sense of community.

  Ibrahim Traoré  

Ibrahim Traoré is the new interim president of Burkina Faso. He came to power in a coup on September 30, 2022, ousting the previous interim president, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. Traoré is a 34-year-old military officer who was born in Bondokuy, Burkina Faso. He is a member of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration, the group that carried out the coup.

Here are some key points about Ibrahim Traoré:

  • He is the youngest serving president in the world.
  • He is a military officer who has served in various positions, including head of an artillery regiment.
  • He is a member of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration, the group that carried out the coup.
  • He has promised to hold democratic elections in July 2024.

Traoré's presidency has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed his promise to hold elections, while others have criticized the coup and called for his resignation. It remains to be seen how Traoré will be able to address the security challenges facing Burkina Faso and restore stability to the country.

Challenges that Traoré faces as president of Burkina Faso:

  • The economy is struggling, and poverty is widespread.
  • There is a lack of trust between the government and the people.

Traoré will need to find ways to address these challenges in order to be successful as president. He will need to work to improve security, boost the economy, and rebuild trust between the government and the people.

The danger of France on the stability of Burkina Faso

France has been a major military presence in Burkina Faso since 2013 when it intervened to help the government fight an  insurgency. However, the French presence has been controversial, and some people believe that it is actually a danger to the stability of the country.

Here are some of the ways in which France's military presence in Burkina Faso could be a danger to stability:

  • It could alienate the local population. The French military has been accused of human rights abuses, and its presence has been seen by some as a foreign occupation. This could lead to resentment and anger among the local population, which could make it more difficult to fight the insurgency.
  • It could give the government a false sense of security. The French military has been successful in some areas, but it has not been able to defeat the insurgency. This could lead the government to believe that it does not need to address the root causes of the problem, which could make the situation worse in the long run.
  • It could create a power vacuum. If the French military were to withdraw, it could create a power vacuum that could be filled by other actors, such as the Islamist insurgents. This could lead to further instability in the country.

The French government has defended its military presence in Burkina Faso, arguing that it is necessary to fight the insurgency and protect civilians. However, the controversy over the French presence is likely to continue, and it is a major obstacle to stability in the country.

In addition to the points mentioned above, France's military presence in Burkina Faso could also have a negative impact on the country's economy. The French military presence is expensive, and it takes money away from other important priorities, such as education and healthcare. This could make it more difficult for the government to address the root causes of the instability in the country.

Overall, the French military presence in Burkina Faso has no positive aspects.  It is important for Burkina Faso and all of Africa to know that the French armed presence is harmful and not beneficial, and all its effects are negative on the future and stability of African countries.

Is Ibrahim Traore the new Thomas Sankara?

In fact, it is too soon to judge whether Ibrahim Traoré is the "New Thomas Sankara." Sankara was a charismatic and popular leader whose revolutionary beliefs inspired many people. He was also a young man, only 33 years old when he was murdered. Traoré, at 34 years old, is another a young man who came to power by a military coup. However, it is vital to realize that Sankara was a one-of-a-kind figure, and no one will be able to reproduce his legacy.

There are some similarities between Traoré and Sankara. Both men are military officers who have come to power through coups. Both men are also young and relatively unknown. However, there are also some important differences. Sankara was a committed socialist who introduced a number of radical reforms, while Traoré has not yet made clear his political ideology. Sankara was also a very public figure who was known for his charisma and his commitment to social justice, while Traoré is a more private figure who has not yet made many public appearances.

It is possible that Traoré could become a popular and successful leader, but it is also possible that he could fail to live up to the expectations of those who are comparing him to Sankara. Only time will tell what kind of leader Traoré will be.

Last modified on Thursday, 21 September 2023 09:45