Africa’s youngest leader, President Ibrahim Traore, is making the news for being loved by some and criticized by others.
Here are five things to know about the 37-year-old president.
- Traoré first came into power in 2022. With a background in geology and associations with the Association of Muslim Students and the Marxist group National Association of Students of Burkina Faso, Traoré quickly rose through the ranks of the Army of Burkina Faso, becoming a captain in 2020. He was part of the 2022 coup d’etat that overthrew the government and put the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration military junta in power. After a mutiny, Traoré was chosen to replace interim-President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba in 2022.
- His message is one of pan-Africanism as he sets out to rid Burkina Faso of Western imperialism and neo-colonialism. One of Traoré’s leading messages has been to distance the country from the West. Since becoming president, he has particularly been looking to cut ties with colonial ruler France, once considered an ally as they provided military assistance to the country amidst security threats. Since the 2022 coup, Traoré has been looking to end the decades-long security threat in the nation and is looking to enrich the country’s status and independence by leveraging mineral resources. At the Russia-Africa summit in 2023, he went on record telling other African leaders to “stop behaving like puppets who dance every time the imperialists pull the strings.” According to African analyst Chidi Odinkalu, his popularity lies with the fact that his message is appealing to young citizens who are “frustrated by the thievery of what passes for ‘democracy.’”
Capt Ibrahim Traoré, reduced ministers and all politicians salaries by 30%.
— Millishield 01???????????????????? (@Millishield01) August 15, 2024
He increased workers salaries by 50%.
I call him The real Ibro ???? pic.twitter.com/ahwgcdx4qN
- He has forged an alliance with Russia: Moving away from ties with France, Traoré has instead associated the country with Russian leaders. Just last week, he attended the massive parade held for Victory Day at the Kremlin. Russian troops have reportedly replaced the military efforts provided by France to protect Burkina Faso from the security threat.
- His popularity has been bolstered by AI: Over 40 videos of celebrities singing in support of Traoré have been released on social media. Along with videos of Rema, Beyonce and countless other artists, an AI-generated tribute song sung by Rihanna, naming him as a hero, has been circulating online. Traoré has leaned into these videos, although some have described them as propaganda. His popularity continues to increase as, just last month, thousands of citizens rallied in his support after an alleged coup attempt and comments were made by U.S. government officials that he uses the nation’s gold reserves to benefit the junta, not the population.
Each time I see Ibrahim Traore I have hope that Africa can be great again pic.twitter.com/cUXOZZhD4n
— Moderate (@moderate_ustaz) May 17, 2025
- He has been compared to military officer and former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara: Considered one of the main proponents of Pan-Africanism, Sankara came into power in 1983 after a military coup. His anti-imperialist beliefs tended to put him at odds with conservative leaders early on in his career. Once he came to power, Sankara’s rule was marked with reduced infant mortality, better literacy rates, more women in government positions, efforts to combat desertification and economic problems and opposition to his progressive social policies. In 1987, Sankara was assassinated by future leader Blaise Compaoré.
