Ibrahim Traoré In Moscow

The victory celebration in Moscow on May 8, 2025, is over. One of the invited guests was Ibrahim Traoré. He is currently one of the most important presidents in Africa. Traoré has exerted significant influence on other African heads of state and the political dynamics in West Africa through his anti-imperialist rhetoric, his pan-African vision, and his close cooperation with Russia. Traoré's statements such as "Either we fight for sovereignty or we remain slaves to neo-colonialism" have resonated with young Africans and political activists. His rejection of French influence and his demand for economic independence have reinforced similar tendencies in Mali and Niger, where military governments also came to power and expelled French troops. Traoré's influence extends beyond Burkina Faso, shaping a new wave of anti-colonial, military-backed regimes in West Africa. While he is hailed by many as a beacon of hope for African sovereignty, his legacy remains controversial—especially given the ongoing violence by jihadist groups and the curtailment of democratic freedoms. His success or failure could determine, in the long run, whether similar leaders will follow in other countries. Why is Traore's visit of great strategic importance? Shortly before his trip to Moscow, a Western-backed coup attempt was launched. This coup attempt was also planned and financed by forces hostile to "African sovereignty in general" and to the "ideals embodied in Traore's political vision" in particular. The relationship that exists between Burkina Faso and Russia can be described as strategic. What Burkina Faso wants to achieve is to be able to defend itself against France, "the exiled former colonialist who refuses to accept that the era of its plundering of sub-Saharan Africa is over."