Captain Ibrahim Traoré is a Burkinabé military officer who has served as the interim President of Burkina Faso since October 2022, following a coup that ousted the previous junta leader, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. Born on March 14, 1988, in Kéra, Burkina Faso, Traoré studied geology at the University of Ouagadougou before joining the military in 2009. He rose through the ranks, participating in various military operations, including the Mali War and counter-insurgency efforts within Burkina Faso. Le Monde.fr+5Wikipedia+5France 24+5
Since assuming power, Traoré has focused on addressing the country's security challenges, particularly the jihadist insurgency that has plagued Burkina Faso since 2015. His administration has undertaken measures such as reorganizing the defense forces, acquiring new military equipment, and recruiting additional personnel, including volunteers for the defense of the homeland. WikipediaAfrik Inform+1Wikipedia+1
In terms of foreign policy, Traoré's government has distanced itself from former colonial power France, opting instead to strengthen ties with Russia. This shift includes the reopening of the Russian embassy in Burkina Faso and cooperation with Russian entities, such as the deployment of troops, including members of the Wagner Group, to assist in combating insurgent forces. Wikipedia
Domestically, Traoré has extended the transitional period by five years, postponing elections initially promised for 2024. This extension has been met with criticism from various political parties and civil society organizations, some of which boycotted the national consultations that led to the decision. Wikipedia
Traoré's tenure has also been marked by internal purges and suppression of dissent. Reports indicate that opposition figures, journalists, and even military personnel have faced arrests and forced conscriptions, raising concerns about human rights and the state of democracy in the country. Le Monde.fr
Overall, Ibrahim Traoré's leadership reflects a complex interplay of efforts to restore security, shifts in international alliances, and challenges related to governance and civil liberties.
