Diaspora Shows Strong Support for Traoré’s Leadership


On April 30, 2025, Burkinabè nationals in Ghana marched to the Burkina Faso Embassy in a powerful display of support for Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the interim President since a 2022 coup. The protesters, waving Burkina Faso flags, expressed their readiness to return home and fight for Traoré’s cause, highlighting his popularity among the diaspora.

A striking image from the march shows a woman wearing a red beret, a symbol of revolution in Africa, as noted by The Economist in 2023 while holding a tissue to her face, possibly in emotion. Her shirt features Traoré’s image, underscoring the personal connection many feel to his leadership, which has focused on combating corruption and the jihadist insurgency plaguing Burkina Faso.

Traoré, a military officer who rose to power after ousting Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, has shifted Burkina Faso’s alliances, expelling French forces in 2023 and joining the Alliance of Sahel States. His leadership has sparked both hope and controversy, with supporters praising his anti-corruption stance and critics pointing to ongoing instability, including a failed coup attempt in September 2023.

The rally reflects the complex dynamics surrounding Traoré’s rule. While the diaspora’s support signals his influence beyond Burkina Faso’s borders, the country continues to grapple with security threats from Islamist rebels and political uncertainty, as outlined in the Global State of Democracy report, making Traoré’s leadership a polarizing yet pivotal force in the region.


Shares: