Flaws in the Later-Day Mission of Africanist Ibrahim Traore
In the heart of West Africa, Burkina Faso has witnessed a series of significant political events that have shaped its destiny.
Thomas Sankara, who led the country from 1983 to 1987, is remembered for his bold initiatives. Sankara increased literacy and reduced government spending, leaving behind a legacy that included the liberation of the country's economy and recognition of women's role in nation-building. However, his tenure was tragically cut short when he was assassinated in 1987.
Following Sankara's demise, Africa, including Burkina Faso, fell in line with the West, with puppet leaders acceding to the demands of Bretton Woods and implementing Structural Adjustment Programmes.
Fast forward to the present, and Burkina Faso is under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traore. Traore has made a series of bold moves that have set him apart from his predecessors. He has ejected French troops from Burkina Faso, changed French from an official language, and nationalised corporations in the country.
Traore's foreign policy has seen a significant shift towards Russia. Burkina Faso has forged closer ties with Russia, including agreements on nuclear energy cooperation and granting mining licenses to Russian companies. The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, has been active in the country, providing security support to the military government.
This alliance with Russia and the Wagner Group has been a defining feature of Burkina Faso's international relations under Traore's leadership. The country is part of the Sahel states confederation (with Mali and Niger) that opposes French neocolonialism and forges closer ties with Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey.
However, Burkina Faso's stance on human rights has raised concerns. The country has criminalised homosexuality, following the lead of countries like Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
Ms Gitahi, an international lawyer, has been monitoring the situation closely. "The criminalisation of homosexuality is a significant step backwards for human rights in Burkina Faso," she said.
Despite these challenges, Traore has expressed solidarity with the United States, hinting at a complex web of international relations that Burkina Faso navigates. As the country continues to evolve, its relationship with the West, Russia, and other global powers will remain a key topic of interest.
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