Why Burkina Faso’s junta leader has captured hearts and minds around the world

Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, has cultivated a pan-Africanist image since seizing power in 2022, appealing to a youth population disillusioned with Western influence. His regime has shifted alliances from France to Russia, implemented leftist economic policies, and nationalized foreign mining operations to benefit Burkinabé citizens. Despite his rising popularity across Africa, Traoré faces criticism for failing to address a persistent Islamist insurgency and for cracking down on dissent.