Introduction
Ibrahim Traoré is a Burkinabé Captain who rose to prominence by becoming the interim President of Burkina Faso through a coup d’état in September 2022. Prior to seizing power, Traoré served as a military officer, having joined the army in 2009 and later attaining the rank of Captain in 2020. His career was characterized by frontline experience fighting jihadist insurgents in the restive Sahel region, including a deployment in Mali with the UN peacekeeping mission. Before his putsch, he was the head of an artillery regiment in Kaya, where he and his comrades grew increasingly frustrated with the government’s failure to contain the deadly insurgency that was ravaging the country.
The instability that led to Traoré’s takeover began under President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, whose tenure was plagued by a catastrophic security crisis as jihadist attacks escalated, leading to mass displacement and casualties. Public and military discontent over the government’s inability to secure the country culminated in the January 2022 coup led by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, whom Traoré initially supported. However, Damiba’s government also failed to reverse the deteriorating security situation, losing further ground to the militants. Citing Damiba’s alleged incompetence and broken promises to tackle the insurgency, Traoré led a second coup in September 2022, removing his former superior and installing himself as the new head of the military junta.
September 30th, 2025, marked the third anniversary of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration (MPSR 2) under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré. It is remembered that during his very first interview with Omega FM radio, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who many Burkinabè were just getting to know, stated that these were “small logistical problems” that would be resolved in three months. For many observers, the new strongman, at the time, was expected to end the terrorism that has shaken Burkina Faso since 2015 in just three months. This article seeks to assess his three years at the helm of Burkina Faso, so far.
Insecurity and Humanitarian Crisis
Over the three years, several acquisitions of military equipment and gears have been made for the benefit of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS). According to the Ministry of Economy, more than 600 billion CFA francs have been invested in acquiring military equipment. In his vision to restructure the army, Captain Ibrahim Traoré strengthened the ranks through a massive recruitment of soldiers and Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP) and the creation of Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR) to serve as a more mobile and offensive unit against terrorist groups. In December 2024, the Minister of Defence, General Célestin Simporé, reported that 70.89% of Burkinabe territory had been reconquered from terrorist control. This figure increased in the first quarter of 2025, rising to 72.70%.
Some actions on the ground have led to progress regarding the humanitarian crisis. As of June 30th, 2025, the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity announced the return of more than 1.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their localities. In the same context, 23 villages were declared resettled, followed by support in housing and emergency shelters. According to the latest statistical data report on Education in Emergency (EiE) provided by the Ministry of National Education, Literacy, and Promotion of National Languages, as of May 31st, 2025, 1,473 schools have reopened, allowing 284,831 students to return to school.
Economy
The national budget has increased significantly, from over 1,200 billion FCFA in 2022 to more than 3,000 billion FCFA in 2024. This is mainly justified by the “war economy” policy. The Patriotic Support Fund collected more than 175.68 billion FCFA in 2024, compared to over 99.03 billion FCFA in 2023. These resources are notably used for the operation of the VDP, and for equipping combat forces. Since September 2022, the Burkinabe state has intervened in the infrastructure sector with the creation of the National Office of Dams and Hydro-Agricultural Developments (ONBAH) and Faso-Mêbo; in the industry sector with the creation of Faso Kosam, tomato factories, the takeover of SN-SOSUCO; as well as in the mining sector.
For the Head of State, the import-export activities carried out by certain economic operators only serve to take money out of the country and do not provide jobs for the people. Therefore, according to him, there is a need for these operators to reorient themselves by investing in mining as well as in agriculture. In this field, he lamented the persistent reluctance of private actors whom he issued a warning.
Diplomacy
Burkina Faso’s diplomacy has been active over the past three years. By signing the Liptako-Gourma Charter on September 16th, 2023, the Presidents of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all of whom came to power through a coup, created the Sahel States Alliance (AES), which was transformed into the Sahel States Confederation in July 2024.
In August 2024, the Burkinabe government established the National Commission of AES Confederation (CN-AES), which is chaired by Bassolma Bazié, former Minister of Public Service under Ibrahim Traoré and also a prominent figure in trade unionism in Burkina Faso before the military came to power.
In his desire to diversify his partners, Ibrahim Traoré made the Russian Federation his preferred partner. Relations between the two countries further strengthened with visits from Russian delegations to Burkina Faso and vice versa.
In addition to neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Mali, and Niger, Burkina Faso has strengthened its diplomatic relations with other African countries.
Challenges and Perspectives
Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s reign continues to face major challenges. On the security front, (creation of the BIR, mobilisation of the VDP, massive investment in defence), insecurity remains high inspite of the achievements. Jihadist groups (JNIM, ISSP, etc.) continue to carry out attacks, often very deadly, particularly in the Sahel, North, East, and Central-North regions. Many areas remain inaccessible, and the return of state services is still partial or incomplete in several parts.
In terms of politics, the promise of a return to constitutional order (through democratic elections) is no longer on the agenda. On July 16th, 2025, the Cabinet adopted a bill with the aim of dissolving the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Following the transitional meetings on May 25th, 2024, the transition was extended by five years starting from July 2nd, 2024.
According to Human Rights Watch, ACLED, and other NGOs, there have been more than 26,000 deaths in the conflict between 2016 and 2025, including approximately 15,500 since the September 2022 coup d’état. In 2024, Burkina Faso was ranked by the Global Terrorism Index as the country most affected by terrorism in the world. This report indicates that for 2024: 111 terrorist attacks, caused 1,532 deaths. Though the attacks are fewer than in 2023, but more deadly.
The assessment over the three years is mixed. Athough there have been real progress, notably in the intensification of military efforts, greater state involvement in the economy, and a more pronounced desire for autonomy (economic, security), challenges remain. It should be noted that many of the initial objectives have not been achieved within the announced timelines, particularly regarding security and the rapid return to a fully democratic regime. Building confidence and improving on the economic situation including improving relations with ECOWAS would go a long way towards improving opportunities for Burkina Faso.
References
Burkina Information Agency (Extensive Interview Overview: President Ibrahim Traoré Urges the Private Sector to Adapt by Investing in Mining and Agriculture | AIB – Burkina Information Agency)
Human Rights Watch (Burkina Faso: A Massacre Highlights the Urgency of Protecting Civilians | Human Rights Watch)
Ecofin Agency (www.agenceecofin.com)
