Traoré Thanks Supporters as Mass Rallies Reject Foreign Interference
Ibrahim Traoré thanks protesters for their support
Burkina Faso’s president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has expressed his gratitude to supporters around the world who took to the streets in solidarity with his leadership and in opposition to perceived foreign interference.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) following the demonstrations, Traoré wrote:
“I would like to express my gratitude to all the peace-loving, freedom-loving patriots and pan-Africanists who rallied around the world on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to support our commitment and our vision for a new Burkina Faso and a new Africa, free from imperialism and neo-colonialism.”
He added that the global support strengthened the government’s conviction.
“We will never bend our backs in the face of adversity; we will stand firm until our peoples are truly emancipated… Together, in solidarity, we will defeat imperialism and neo-colonialism for a free, dignified and sovereign Africa.”
Thousands Rally in Ouagadougou
Traoré’s remarks followed a mass demonstration in the capital, Ouagadougou, where thousands of citizens gathered at the Place de la Révolution. Protesters carried his image, waved national and Russian flags, and denounced what they called foreign meddling in the country’s affairs.
The demonstration was the largest since Traoré came to power through a military coup in September 2022. It came just days after the transitional government claimed to have thwarted a coup plot, adding to the charged political atmosphere.
Anger at U.S. General’s Allegations
Public frustration was also directed at comments made earlier this month by U.S. General Michael Langley, head of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). In a Senate hearing, Langley accused Traoré of using the country’s gold revenues to finance private security and benefit the ruling military instead of the population.
These remarks were sharply rejected by demonstrators. Ocibi Joan, a musician attending the rally, said: “Burkina Faso is not against anyone, but we will no longer tolerate looting. The general is a liar. We own it, we use it whenever we want, and sell it to whomever we want.”
Haroun Sawadogo, another protester, drew a historical comparison.
“If they want to eliminate Captain Traoré, they should eliminate the people first. What happened to Captain Sankara will not happen to Captain Traoré. We will go all the way to defend our President.”
Government Officials Join the Crowd
Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo and several members of parliament were also present at the rally, which featured speeches emphasizing sovereignty and resistance.
“The time has come to never again kneel before the world,” Ouédraogo told the crowd. “May the people of Burkina Faso free themselves once and for all, and may the people of the Sahel free themselves permanently.”
Support Beyond Borders
While the core of the demonstration took place in Ouagadougou, similar events occurred in other cities across Burkina Faso and abroad, reflecting broader pan-African solidarity. Protests were held in countries like Ghana and Liberia and in diaspora communities in cities such as London and New York.
Participants expressed shared concerns about foreign influence and support for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This is a regional bloc that includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and has taken a more assertive stance against traditional Western partnerships.
Ongoing Uncertainty
The demonstrations and Traoré’s defiant response underscore the political crossroads Burkina Faso finds itself at. With elections postponed and regional tensions rising, the government faces pressure both internally and externally.
However, for now, Traoré’s support base remains mobilised and vocal. The message from both the president and his supporters is that they see the struggle for sovereignty as part of a larger continental and global fight against what they call neocolonial interference.