As I studied a photograph from 2009 or 2010, showing a young soldier in military training, a powerful thought came to mind: if you don’t have the strength to finish a fight, don’t start one.
This image captures a 20-year-old private, barely beginning his journey, yet destined to become Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the world’s youngest president. His rise from humble beginnings to a revolutionary leader in Burkina Faso is a story of courage, humility, and defiance against overwhelming odds. In this analysis, I’ll delve into Traoré’s early life, his military career, the dramatic coup that brought him to power, his transformative achievements, and the lessons his leadership offers for Africa’s future. Drawing on the details of his story, I’ll reflect on why Traoré’s approach makes him a unique figure in African politics.
A Humble Beginning and a Civilian Path
Born on 14 March 1988 in Kaa, Bonduku province, Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traoré grew up in a modest environment. He attended primary school in his hometown and later studied at a secondary school in Bobo-Dioulasso, the country’s second-largest city. There, he was known for being quiet but exceptionally talented, standing out among his peers. Unlike many Burkinabè military officers, such as his predecessor Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba or the iconic Thomas Sankara, who joined the army as teenagers, Traoré took a different path. He pursued higher education, studying geology at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University in Ouagadougou, the capital. As a student, he rose to the role of delegate, defending his classmates in disputes and earning a reputation for leadership. Graduating with honours in 2009, Traoré made a bold decision to shift gears and join the military, enrolling in the George Namoano Military Academy, a second-tier institution compared to the prestigious Kadiogo Military Academy attended by Sankara and Damiba.
A Meteoric Military Career
After graduating in 2012, Traoré was sent to Morocco for anti-aircraft training before being assigned to an infantry unit in Kaya, a town in northern Burkina Faso. His early roles were relatively junior, but his courage and dedication quickly became evident. In 2014, he was promoted to lieutenant, and that same year, he was deployed to Mali as part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA). In Mali, Traoré faced jihadists and ethnic insurgents, cutting his teeth in combat. A notable moment came in 2018 when he displayed bravery during a complex militant attack in the northern Timbuktu region, earning respect from his peers.
Back in Burkina Faso, Traoré participated in counterinsurgency operations, including the 2019 Operation Otapuanu in the restive east and efforts in the northern Sahel region, known as the “three borders zone” with Mali and Niger. Despite being hailed as successes, these operations often resulted in only temporary gains, with militants regrouping elsewhere. Traoré’s leadership shone through in 2020 when he led a commando trek across the countryside to liberate the town of Barkalé, which was on the verge of falling to jihadists. His willingness to take risks and stay close to his men made him a standout officer. That same year, he was promoted to captain, but he and other young officers grew increasingly frustrated with their superiors’ inability to address the escalating jihadist threat.
A Nation in Crisis
By 2021, Burkina Faso was grappling with a humanitarian catastrophe. Jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIL launched relentless attacks, including ambushes, abductions, and bombings, particularly in the Sahel, North, Central-North, and East regions. Over 3,000 people were killed, two million were displaced, and a quarter of the population faced food insecurity. The civilian government of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2020, was widely criticised for its failure to curb the insurgency. In January 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba led a coup, overthrowing Kaboré and establishing the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration (MPSR). Damiba promised to reconquer lost territories and resettle displaced citizens, but his leadership fell short.
Under Damiba, jihadist attacks intensified, and soldiers in remote areas faced logistical challenges, including delayed pay. Traoré, now a captain in the Kaya regiment, became a voice for his frustrated colleagues. He made several trips to Ouagadougou to plead their case to Damiba, but his concerns were ignored. The tipping point came on 26 September 2022, when jihadists attacked a 150-truck food convoy headed for Djibo, a besieged northern city. The assault, claimed by an Al-Qaeda-linked group, killed 37 people, including 27 soldiers. Damiba’s decision to attend a UN Summit in New York with a large delegation just days earlier was seen as tone-deaf, further fuelling discontent.
The Coup That Shook Burkina Faso
Feeling dismissed by Damiba, Traoré and other young officers decided to act. On 30 September 2022, gunfire erupted in Ouagadougou as Traoré led a coup to oust Damiba. That evening, he appeared on national television, dressed in military fatigues, a bulletproof vest, and a red beret, flanked by hooded soldiers. As head of the MPSR, Traoré announced Damiba’s removal, accusing him of betraying their shared vision and failing to address the security crisis. The coup was driven by younger officers, particularly from the elite Cobra unit, who were frustrated by delays in pay and the government’s disconnect from the frontline.
The takeover wasn’t without complications. On 1 October, Traoré accused Damiba of seeking refuge at a French military base in Kamboinsin to plan a counter-coup, a claim that ignited anti-French protests. Thousands took to the streets, targeting the French Embassy and cultural institutes. France denied the allegations, but the sentiment reflected growing resentment toward its influence in Burkina Faso. By the next day, Damiba resigned, reportedly on the condition that his safety and that of his allies were guaranteed. Several army units, including the Air Force and Special Forces, pledged allegiance to Traoré, securing his position.
On 6 October 2022, at the age of 34, Traoré was sworn in as transitional president, becoming the world’s youngest leader. Arriving in military attire and a face mask, he raised his hand and swore in French: “I swear before the people of Burkina Faso and on my honour to preserve, respect, uphold, and defend the Constitution, the Charter of Transition, and the laws, to make every effort to guarantee justice to all inhabitants of Burkina Faso.” Thousands gathered in the capital to celebrate, in scenes resembling a victory parade.
A Leader Defined by Humility
What makes Traoré extraordinary is his rejection of the opulence that defines many African leaders. While presidents across the continent live in palaces, drive luxury cars, and command salaries far exceeding their citizens’ incomes, Traoré chose a different path. He declined the standard presidential salary of $76,000 a year—compared to the average African presidential salary of $170,000—opting to keep his captain’s pay, which is significantly lower. In Burkina Faso, where the average monthly income is just $73, this decision resonates deeply.
Traoré lives in a simple house, not a palace, and drives a basic car, always dressed in military fatigues with a red beret, tactical gloves, and a pistol on his thigh. His leadership style echoes that of Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso’s revolutionary hero, who was assassinated in 1987. Like Sankara, Traoré prioritises service over personal gain. He reduced government salaries by 20%, redirecting the savings to national development. These funds have supported long-term projects, including schools, textile factories, tomato processing plants to reduce import dependency, and oil refineries to drive economic growth. Agricultural reforms, such as free tractor services and subsidized seeds, have boosted food security by over 50% in two years.
Traoré’s personal life remains private, a rarity among heads of state. Little is known about his wife or two children, and no photos of them circulate online. His focus is squarely on Burkina Faso’s future, not self-promotion. This humility strengthens his bond with citizens, who see him as a leader who understands their struggles.
Transforming Burkina Faso in Two Years
Since taking power in October 2022, Traoré has delivered on over 80% of his promises, achieving in two years what many leaders fail to accomplish in decades. His administration has tackled security, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and economic independence with remarkable results.
- Infrastructure and Trade: The Fil Rail Project, a nationwide railway network connecting provincial capitals, is a flagship initiative. With 75% government ownership and 25% private investment, it includes a manufacturing plant in Bobo-Dioulasso for train wagons and rails. Costing 70 billion CFA francs, the project is set to be completed in 18 months, creating jobs and boosting trade.
- Energy and Industry: A partnership with Russia’s Rosatom to build a nuclear power plant focuses on clean energy, healthcare, and industrial development, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. A major hydroelectric dam, the nation’s largest, has expanded electricity access, supporting agriculture and industry.
- Healthcare and Local Production: In Koudougou, a pharmaceutical hub is under construction to produce medicines domestically, cutting import costs and improving healthcare access. A 70 billion CFA franc initiative, it will create jobs over the next five years. Mobile health clinics now serve remote areas, addressing disparities in care.
- Economic Independence: Traoré has prioritised local resource processing. A gold refinery ensures Burkina Faso’s abundant gold is refined domestically, while a tomato processing plant reduces import needs. Agricultural mechanization, including free tractors and subsidized fertilizers, has transformed farming.
- Security and Military Reforms: Advanced weaponry and alliances with Russia, Turkey, and China have strengthened Burkina Faso’s military. Operations like “Zero Terrorists” in Cenzo and rapid intervention battalions have reclaimed territories, including Djibo, reconnecting isolated areas. In January 2025, 29 terrorists were killed in Montian village, showcasing improved capabilities.
- Cultural and Financial Sovereignty: French has been abolished as the official language, reflecting pan-African ideals. The Central Bank of Burkina Faso ensures financial independence from France, a former colonial power.
These achievements have drawn global attention, positioning Burkina Faso as a model of resilience and self-reliance.
Surviving a Sinister Plot
Traoré’s push for independence has made him a target. On 8 November 2024, Burkina Faso’s military foiled a coup attempt involving a foreign suspect who entered the country under the guise of a business trip. Carrying 5 billion CFA francs (about $8 million), the individual aimed to bribe soldiers to overthrow Traoré. The plot, linked to foreign interests eyeing Burkina Faso’s gold and minerals, sought to destabilize a nation gaining stability. Loyal soldiers, many of whom had fought insurgents, reported the scheme, enabling a sting operation. The suspect was apprehended at a warehouse, with hidden cameras capturing evidence of the conspiracy.
This foiled plot revealed a broader strategy by foreign operatives and mercenaries in the Sahel to weaken Burkina Faso’s sovereignty. It underscores the challenges Traoré faces as he challenges decades of external exploitation. His ability to rally loyal forces highlights the trust he has built within the military and the nation.
Navigating Global Alliances
Traoré’s foreign policy has sparked debate. At the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, he described Russia as a “family” for Africa, citing shared histories of sacrifice, including Russia’s fight against Nazism and Africa’s contributions during World War II. Western reports, including those by The New York Times and Reuters, have alleged involvement of Russia’s Wagner Group in Traoré’s regime, though he denies this, insisting his Volunteers for Homeland Defence (VDP) are sufficient. He told France 24, “I do not need Wagner soldiers from Russia because I have our own Wagner here, called VDP—volunteers ready to protect and defend the land of Burkina Faso.”
Relations with France, Burkina Faso’s former colonial ruler, have been tense. In January 2023, Traoré gave France one month to withdraw its troops, ending a military accord. By February 2023, French military operations in Burkina Faso ceased after a flag-lowering ceremony. These moves reflect growing anti-French sentiment across West Africa, where citizens demand an end to perceived interference. Traoré has diversified partnerships, strengthening ties with Russia, Turkey, and China, signaling a shift in Burkina Faso’s global alignment.
Initially, Traoré promised democratic elections by July 2024, but in May 2024, he extended his rule by five years, citing ongoing security challenges. This decision sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning his commitment to civilian governance. However, his focus remains on stabilizing the country and achieving economic independence.
Echoes of Thomas Sankara
Traoré’s leadership draws inevitable comparisons to Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader from 1983 to 1987. Like Sankara, Traoré rejects luxury, prioritises national development, and challenges foreign influence. Some Burkinabè believe Sankara’s spirit lives on in Traoré, a notion rooted in cultural beliefs about souls transferring between individuals. Born in 1988, the year after Sankara’s assassination, Traoré embodies the same defiance and vision for a self-sufficient Burkina Faso. His decision to wear military attire and a face mask during his swearing-in, reminiscent of ninja warriors, adds to his mystique, projecting strength and anonymity.
Traoré’s admiration for historical figures extends beyond Sankara. At the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit, he quoted Frederick Douglass, the 19th-century abolitionist, who said, “A slave who does not fight for his freedom will remain a slave forever.” This reflects Traoré’s deep reading and understanding of liberation struggles, which shape his fight against neocolonialism.
Lessons for African Leaders
Traoré’s leadership offers profound lessons for African leaders:
- Prioritize People Over Personal Gain: By rejecting a high salary and luxury, Traoré shows that leadership is about service, not enrichment. His reinvestment of government savings into development projects demonstrates how resources can benefit citizens.
- Pursue Economic Independence: Traoré’s focus on local production—gold refineries, tomato plants, and pharmaceutical hubs—reduces reliance on imports, creating jobs and sustainable growth. Other leaders can emulate this to build resilient economies.
- Defend Sovereignty Courageously: The foiled coup attempt highlights the external pressures African nations face. Traoré’s defiance of foreign interference, backed by loyal forces, shows the importance of protecting national interests.
- Invest in Long-Term Development: Projects like the Fil Rail, nuclear power plant, and hydroelectric dam are bold bets on Burkina Faso’s future. Leaders must prioritise infrastructure and energy to drive progress.
- Lead with Humility: Traoré’s modest lifestyle and private personal life strengthen his connection with citizens. Humility in leadership builds trust and credibility.
I believe Traoré has the potential to reshape Burkina Faso and inspire Africa. In two years, he has achieved security gains, economic reforms, and infrastructure projects that rival the records of leaders with decades in power. His vision of a self-reliant, united Burkina Faso aligns with pan-African ideals. If other leaders adopt his approach, Africa could see a new era of progress, free from exploitation. However, Traoré must navigate challenges, including balancing his extended rule with democratic aspirations, to maintain legitimacy.
Looking back at that 2009 photograph, I see a young man unaware of the extraordinary destiny awaiting him. From a private in a military camp to a president who challenges the status quo, Traoré’s journey is a testament to courage and conviction. His leadership, rooted in humility and service, is a beacon for Burkina Faso and Africa. While risks remain—foreign plots, security threats, and political tensions—Traoré’s impact is undeniable. Burkina Faso is stronger, more independent, and more hopeful than it was two years ago. If his example inspires others, the future of African leadership could be transformative, paving the way for a continent where the people come first.
