Burkina Faso Protests Against France: A Call for Sovereignty

On April 30, 2025, millions of Burkina Faso citizens took to the streets to protest against France and other foreign powers. The demonstrations, captured in images showing massive crowds waving Burkina Faso flags, reflect a growing sentiment for national sovereignty and support for President Ibrahim Traoré.

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Large-scale protests across Burkina Faso, particularly in the capital, Ouagadougou. Images showed dense crowds holding Burkina Faso flags and banners, with some also waving Russian flags, indicating a shift in international alliances. The post claimed that “millions” participated, expressing their desire for France and other foreign powers to leave the country. The demonstrators voiced support for Traoré, emphasizing their satisfaction with the peace and development they attribute to his leadership.

The Burkina Faso protests against France come amid a complex political landscape. Ibrahim Traoré, who assumed power in a September 2022 coup, has positioned himself as a leader focused on sovereignty and self-reliance. Traoré has implemented reforms such as nationalizing gold mines and building the country’s first gold refinery, aiming to reduce dependency on Western nations. Burkina Faso has also withdrawn from ECOWAS, forming the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Niger, both of which have experienced similar military takeovers.

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The protests were partly a response to perceived foreign interference. The demonstrations followed an alleged coup attempt against Traoré, which the military claimed was orchestrated from Ivory Coast. Additionally, U.S. General Michael Langley accused Traoré of exploiting Burkina Faso’s gold resources, prompting further public backlash against Western criticism. However, France officially withdrew its military presence from Burkina Faso in 2023, raising questions about the focus of the protests.

The Burkina Faso protests against France reflect a broader trend of anti-Western sentiment in the Sahel region. Demonstrators like Haroun Sawadogo, who said, “If they want to eliminate Captain Traoré, they should eliminate the people first,” referencing the 1987 assassination of Thomas Sankara. The protests also coincide with Burkina Faso’s ongoing security challenges, with over 2 million displaced due to jihadist violence.

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Traoré’s leadership has garnered significant domestic support, as evidenced by the scale of the protests. A web result from ISS Africa reported that 66% of Burkinabé accept military rule, a sharp increase from 24% in 2012, according to Afrobarometer surveys. Demonstrators’ banners and chants, such as “No to Neocolonialism,” reflect a desire for autonomy. However, challenges remain, including persistent insecurity and economic hardships, which have fueled criticism of Traoré’s regime.