On April 30, 2025, people from various countries participated in global solidarity rallies to support Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré. The post, captioned in French, announced a “Global Day of Support for Captain IB,” stating, “This time, the enemies have faced the entire world.” Featuring flags from nations like Jamaica, Gabon, the USA, Kenya, and Italy, the rallies underscored a diverse international backing for Traoré’s leadership.
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We are voice of voiceless pic.twitter.com/Z12QFO3ODf
— MEHMET VEFA DAG (@AFRICANDEMOC) May 1, 2025
Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s interim president since a 2022 coup, has become a symbol of pan-Africanism and anti-imperialism. At 37, he is one of the world’s youngest heads of state. Traoré has sought to distance Burkina Faso from its former colonial power, France, expelling French forces in 2023 and aligning with Russia. He also played a key role in forming the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Niger to address regional security concerns.
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The global solidarity rallies for Ibrahim Traoré were spurred by recent events, including an alleged coup attempt against him, which the military claimed was orchestrated from Ivory Coast. Additionally, U.S. General Michael Langley’s criticism of Traoré during a Senate hearing, accusing him of mismanaging Burkina Faso’s gold reserves—fueled public anger, leading to protests in Ouagadougou. Demonstrators there waved Burkina Faso and Russian flags, chanting “Long live Captain Traoré,” and some held banners labeling Langley a “slave.”
Read also: Ibrahim Traoré Thanks Supporters for Global Solidarity Rallies
The global solidarity rallies for Ibrahim Traoré highlight a growing pan-African movement advocating for sovereignty and self-determination. Traoré thanked supporters, noting that the demonstrations strengthened his government’s resolve to fight imperialism. The involvement of countries like Jamaica, the USA, and Italy. However, the rallies also underscore ongoing challenges. Burkina Faso continues to face a jihadist insurgency, with over 2 million displaced. Traoré’s alignment with Russia and delays in democratic elections, extending his mandate for five years in 2024, have drawn criticism from some quarters, as seen in @richy_olp’s mention of Nigeria’s focus on its own conflicts.