Two Years of President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso: A Report Since Assuming Leadership of the Nation.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré assumed the presidency of Burkina Faso in September 2022 following a military coup. Over the past two years, his administration has implemented various initiatives and faced multiple challenges across different sectors.​ www.multilinks.biz

Security and Counterterrorism Efforts

Upon taking office, President Traoré prioritized combating terrorism, declaring a “general mobilization” in April 2023 to involve the entire population in supporting military efforts against insurgents. He pledged to reclaim territories held by rebel forces and stated that elections would not be feasible until significant security improvements were achieved. Despite these efforts, Islamist groups have escalated attacks on civilians, particularly targeting communities suspected of collaborating with government forces. ​Wikipedia+1Reuters+1Reuters

Economic and Agricultural Initiatives

In the economic sphere, the government has focused on enhancing self-reliance and boosting local industries. Notably, in November 2023, the Council of Ministers approved the construction of the country’s first gold refinery, aiming to increase domestic processing and revenue from gold resources. Additionally, extensive support has been provided to the agricultural sector, including the distribution of 400 tractors, 953 motorcycles, 710 motor pumps, 10,000 tonnes of fish food, 68,964 tonnes of fertilizer, and 10,000 liters of phytosanitary products to farmers. ​www.multilinks.biz

Healthcare Improvements

The administration has also invested in the healthcare sector to address longstanding challenges in medical access and infrastructure. These efforts aim to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for the Burkinabe population, though specific details on these initiatives remain limited. ​noirpress.org

Foreign Policy and Regional Relations

In foreign policy, President Traoré’s government expelled French forces assisting in counterinsurgency operations in February 2023, signaling a shift towards diversifying international partnerships. The administration has since sought closer ties with countries like Russia and Turkey. Additionally, Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, announced plans to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by July 2025, a move that has raised concerns about regional stability and economic impact. ​www.multilinks.biz

Political Developments

Domestically, national consultations in May 2024 resulted in the extension of President Traoré’s mandate for an additional five years, allowing him to contest the next presidential elections. This extension has drawn criticism from political parties and civil society groups, some of whom boycotted the consultations. In December 2024, President Traoré dissolved his government and removed Prime Minister Kyélem de Tambèla from office, indicating potential shifts in the administration’s approach. ​Wikipedia

Human Rights Concerns

Human rights organizations have raised alarms over increasing violence against civilians and repression of political opponents. Reports indicate that government-allied militias have been implicated in civilian massacres, and there have been instances of abductions targeting families of dissidents. These developments have led to concerns about the country’s human rights trajectory under President Traoré’s leadership. ​www.multilinks.biz

Conclusion

After two years under President Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso has experienced significant developments in security, economic policies, and foreign relations. While the administration has undertaken initiatives aimed at fostering self-reliance and addressing security challenges, ongoing issues related to human rights, political inclusivity, and regional cooperation remain critical areas requiring attention.

www.multilinks.biz

1. Burkina Faso’s GDP rose from around $18.8 billion to $22.1 billion.
2. He declined loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, stating, “Africa doesn’t need the World Bank, IMF, Europe, or America.”
3. He cut the salaries of ministers and parliamentarians by 30% while raising civil servants’ salaries by 50%.
4. He cleared Burkina Faso’s domestic debts.
5. He established the country’s first-ever tomato processing plants.
6. In 2023, he launched a modern gold mine to strengthen local processing capacity.
7. He halted the export of unrefined gold from Burkina Faso to Europe.
8. He constructed Burkina Faso’s second cotton processing plant, adding to the single existing one.
9. He inaugurated the National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing, the first of its kind, to aid local cotton farmers.
10. He prohibited the use of British legal wigs and gowns in local courts, replacing them with traditional Burkinabé attire.
11. He prioritized agriculture by distributing over 400 tractors, 239 tillers, 710 motor pumps, and 714 motorcycles to enhance production and support rural communities.
12. He facilitated access to improved seeds and other agricultural inputs to maximize farming yields.
13. Tomato production grew from 315,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 360,000 metric tonnes in 2024.
14. Millet production increased from 907,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024.
15. Rice production rose from 280,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 326,000 metric tonnes in 2024.
16. He banned French military operations in Burkina Faso.
17. He prohibited French media from operating in the country.
18. He expelled French troops from Burkina Faso.
19. His government is building new roads, expanding existing ones, and converting gravel roads into paved surfaces.

www.multilinks.biz