The Rise of a Sahel Strongman: Ibrahim Traore and the Power of Propaganda in West Africa
Kehinde Sanni, an auto mechanic in Lagos, Nigeria, has never set foot outside his homeland, yet he speaks with fervent admiration for Ibrahim Traore, the military leader of Burkina Faso. This admiration isn’t based on firsthand experience, but rather on a deluge of online content – videos, memes, and social media posts – portraying Traore as a courageous reformer defying Western influence and restoring national pride. This narrative, while often misleading or outright false, resonates powerfully with many in West Africa, including Sanni, who see in Traore a model leader for their own struggles. Traore’s ascension to power followed a coup in September 2022, fueled by anti-French sentiment simmering across the Sahel region. He has found allies in the similarly positioned military juntas of Mali and Niger, forming a new alliance that signals a shift away from traditional Western partnerships towards closer ties with Moscow.
The widespread dissemination of pro-Traore content, often amplified by prominent figures like Nigerian actress and politician Hilda Dokubo, hints at a coordinated propaganda campaign. This campaign paints Traore as a messianic figure, capable of solving deep-seated economic and political woes, while simultaneously vilifying Western influence. Experts warn that this narrative poses a significant threat to democratic stability in the region, normalizing military intervention as a legitimate solution and opening the door for external ideological manipulation. This popularity surge coincides with a severe cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria, leaving many citizens susceptible to narratives promising economic transformation. Traore, with his youthful defiance and openness to Russian cooperation, fits neatly into this narrative mold. His image is further burnished by associating him with groups linked to Russia’s Wagner Group, rebranded as the Africa Corps, adding a layer of perceived strength and effectiveness.
The pro-Traore propaganda machinery relies heavily on manipulating facts and spreading disinformation. Examples abound, from false claims about Traore constructing low-cost housing projects to fabricated reports of him slashing cement prices. These narratives, often originating from dubious sources, spread rapidly across social media, gaining traction amongst a population hungry for positive change. The strategy mirrors tactics observed in other parts of Africa and aligns with Russia’s broader efforts to project influence on the continent. By bolstering the image of military regimes and presenting itself as a respectful alternative to Western powers, Russia aims to reshape political landscapes and gain strategic footholds.
The disinformation campaign promoting Traore utilizes a network of influencers and online platforms to disseminate pro-junta messaging and manipulate public opinion. This tactic involves creating and sharing fabricated stories, manipulated images, and misleading videos designed to portray Traore as a transformative leader. The campaign often exploits existing socio-economic grievances and anti-Western sentiments, presenting Traore and his alliance with Russia as the solution to these challenges. The targeted nature of this disinformation, focusing on regions facing instability and discontent, amplifies its impact and effectiveness in swaying public opinion.
This rise in pro-Russian sentiment, symbolized by the waving of Russian flags at pro-junta rallies and protests, contrasts starkly with the ground realities in Burkina Faso. Far from the image of stability and prosperity projected online, the country is embroiled in escalating violence fueled by jihadist groups. Attacks linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have caused immense suffering, displacing populations and claiming thousands of lives. Burkina Faso now holds the grim distinction of being the country most impacted by terrorism globally, a far cry from the image presented in the online propaganda.
Further contradicting the narrative of a benevolent leader, Traore’s regime has been accused of suppressing dissent, silencing journalists, and creating an environment of fear. Critics who dare to challenge the official narrative, such as exiled financial analyst Maixent Some, face repercussions, including being declared wanted by the junta. This suppression of opposing voices aims to maintain the carefully crafted image of Traore while preventing the spread of information that contradicts the propaganda. The situation on the ground paints a bleak picture of a nation grappling with instability, violence, and a shrinking space for freedom of expression, starkly contrasting the online portrayal of Traore’s leadership. The manipulation of information and the suppression of dissent highlight the dangers of propaganda in shaping public perception and undermining democratic processes.
