The Ibrahim Traore Phenomenon

 By David Starr

 

Going back decades up to now, individuals have rebelled against and condemned the current capitalist world order; as well as implementing real change contrary to that order. Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Patrice Lumumuba, Thomas Sankara, Rosa Luxemburg and a host other individuals, both male and female, are major examples of those who have challenged the world order and to change it. 

 

It’s not to say that they were pure as the driven snow, but they were sincerely concerned with the countries they lived in and most of the people in those countries in regards to looking directly at the causes of the poverty and violence many faced, the Global South being the prime example.

 

Recently, there is an individual who has stood out as a major force to combat poverty and the violence of colonialism and imperialism, the West being the main perpetrator of these things; the United States empire especially being the main perpetrator for decades, despite its degree of democracy. 

 

That individual is Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso. Or should one say a new Burkina Faso? Traore has led a revolutionary process that has put Burkina Faso in a position to reject the economic coercion and imperialist dictates of the U.S. empire; and the rest of the West. 

 

Traore has become popular not only in Burkina Faso but worldwide. Many see him as a revolutionary sparkto help create a world order free from poverty and colonialism/imperialism. Many Africans see Traore as a spark to help unify Africa.

 

What does Traore have to say? From July 27 to July 28 2023, there was a Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg (Leningrad) where Traore made a speech. It was attended by 49 African countries including 17 heads of state.   

 

There are, of course, the numerous detractors who have rolled out the same antiquated demonizing of individuals like Traore. And they are led by elements from the West. 

 

One is The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a typical establishment entity. The CFR has referred to Traore as a “strongman,” making it sound like he’s an aggressor, despite the fact that the U.S. empire has backed actual aggressors who have prioritized Western interests as well as their own over the interests of the people they rule over. 

 

The CFR makes the claim that Traore uses “political oppression, coopting, or, where that is not possible, cracking down on the opposition.” These sound like the tired, old accusations the U.S. empire would make towards someone who won’t play the “free trade” and “pro-democracy” games that wind up being “justification” for the empire to invade, occupy or bomb; and usually at the expense of local populations. The results have been precisely what the CFR accuses Traore of doing, where the empire backs a ruler who will prioritize the not only his or her own elitism, but U.S. military occupations in the countries they rule over.

 

The CFR refers to Traore as an “African military adventurer” who will hold onto power at any cost. Again, one is reminded of U.S.-backed tyrants who held onto power regardless of the consequences to the people. The hypocrisy is so blatant.

 

Speaking of those who are U.S.-backed, Gabon’s president Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema is a typical example. The CFR complimented Nguema, in contrast to Traore, claiming that he “completed a stunning transition from soldier to civilian president in less than two years. The CFR claims this “is an instructive omen.”

 

But Nguema is probably willing to sell out Gabon to U.S. imperialism. Any evidence of this is in the form of footage showing Nguema wearing a MAGA hat after his visit with Trump at what the CFR would no doubt call a productive meeting. It can thus be said accurately that Nguema is a kiss-ass for Trump. He is an African leader in the mold of other leaders who are willing to let the U.S. empire take monopoly control of Gabon’s resources, economy and labor, while sacrificing his country’s sovereignty. The CFR of course leaves that out of their commentary.

 

Continuing with the demonization of Traore, the CFR claims, “while the various juntas have all clearly taken a page from the same playbook, Traore has been the one who has stood out.” Then there’s the implication that a cult of Traore exists. “Described in quasi-mythical terms, (the words ‘liberator,’ ‘transformative,’ ‘visionary,’ ‘exceptional,’ ‘courageous’ and ‘savior,’ recur in fawning references to him), he is arguably the only contemporary African leader about whom fondness is mixed with an unmistakable adulation.”

 

It sounds like the CRF is being paternalistic toward people of the Global South, like the people are not allowed to admire and respect someone who could be called a hero for not only defending his own country, but in seeking change to benefit the people in the African continent. But this has been par for the course.

 

The West has a strange way to show its practicing of “freedom” and “democracy” in the Global South. The priority, rather than freedom and democracy, is the all-too-obvious hunger for profit. And an African like Traore is fed up with it, as with many people worldwide.

 

In all, the CFR publishes a propaganda piece rather than an intelligent and objective essay, when it comes down to it. It has the same antiquated stereotypes that have been used again and again against the Global South. (It must be pointed out that sides are taken, that is the reality. But it’s a matter of which side comes closer to truths and facts.)

 

But is there really a Traore cult? If so, it’s a reflection of the desperation from people who have been treated badly by the local elites that the West has supported. Traore is admired for taking a courageous stand against powerful forces that have wrecked the Global South more often than not.  

 

Compare this with the cult of Donald Trump, where MAGA followers have fervently supported him but for the wrong reasons. Trump’s attempts at imposing a right-wing, fascist agenda precisely compliments the imperialism and colonialism from the West. Traore is actually doing things that threaten the bi-polar order lead by the U.S. empire.

 

But Traore, like other revolutionary leaders, is not as pure as the driven snow. There have been statements of political repression in Burkina Faso, but what is the motive if that’s true? And who are those being repressed, or “repressed.”? Are they siding with, or are puppets of, the West? 

 

There have been individuals backed by the West who have been called by the label, “pro-democratic.” Usually, however, they wind up being U.S.-backed tyrants or pliable neoliberals who don’t have an interest in actually changing things for many people. They bow to the same old unequal relationship that have been established with the West. It is a script that has been used time and again and has failed.

 

Ibrahim Traore is perhaps needed to eventually help change the current world order, along with many other people participating in this objective. Despite the negative stereotypes from the West, Traore is a revolutionary.