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Who Wants to Kill Ibrahim Traoré?

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Niger's General Abdourahamane Tiani (L) revues a guard of honor next to his Burkinabe counterpart Captain Ibrahim Traore (R) upon his arrival in Niamey on July 5, 2024. A divided West Africa hosts two presidential summits this weekend -- one in Niger between Sahel region military regime leaders, followed by another in Nigeria on Sunday with leaders of a wider economic bloc. Saturday's summit in Niger's capital Niamey, will mark the first between the military leaders of a new regional bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger set up the mutual defence pact in September, leaving the wider Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc in January. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Who Wants to Kill Ibrahim Traoré?

  • Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the transitional president of Burkina Faso, has become one of the most talked-about leaders in West Africa. Since his dramatic rise to power in a 2022 military coup, Traoré has made bold moves that challenge not just the status quo in Burkina Faso, but also foreign powers and entrenched interests. But as his popularity grows among Pan-Africanists and citizens fed up with foreign domination, so too does speculation about the forces that may want him gone — or even dead.
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  • So, who would want to kill Ibrahim Traoré? The answer lies in understanding the forces his leadership threatens.

1. Foreign Powers Losing Control

  • Burkina Faso has long been within the sphere of influence of Western nations, particularly France, its former colonial ruler. France has maintained military bases, economic partnerships, and political influence in the Sahel for decades. Traoré disrupted that when he expelled French troops, closed down French military agreements, and began advocating for a truly sovereign Burkina Faso. His actions resonated with millions, but angered foreign powers who rely on access to West African resources and territory.
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  • In addition to France, the United States has strategic interests in the region, particularly in counterterrorism operations. Traoré’s pivot toward non-Western allies like Russia and his refusal to follow traditional Western security models have caused concern in Washington. For some, this makes him a destabilizing figure; for others, a revolutionary one. Either way, he has become a problem for those seeking to maintain control over West Africa’s future.

2. Local Elites and Corrupt Networks

  • Traoré’s rise also disrupted internal power structures. Many of the previous regime’s officials, military commanders, and business elites who had long benefited from foreign aid and corruption found themselves pushed out of power. These individuals, some of whom still hold influence in certain sectors of the military and government, may see Traoré as a threat to their survival.
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  • Additionally, Burkina Faso has long been plagued by instability, armed groups, and smuggling operations. Traoré’s nationalist policies and crackdown on corruption threaten illicit networks that thrive in weak governance. That makes him a target not just for political enemies but also for criminal ones

3. Terrorist Groups

  • As Burkina Faso battles jihadist insurgencies linked to groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, Traoré has made it clear he will take a hardline military approach, even creating alliances with neighboring countries like Mali and Niger. His push for African-led defense forces threatens the influence of terrorist networks operating in the region. It’s not unthinkable that these groups would consider removing him to weaken national resistance.

A Symbol of Resistance

  • Despite all the threats against him, Ibrahim Traoré remains a symbol of African defiance against neocolonialism and foreign exploitation. His supporters see him as a revolutionary figure willing to risk everything for national dignity and regional unity. But that very courage makes him a target for those who benefit from Africa’s instability.
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  • Whether the threats come from foreign capitals, domestic rivals, or armed groups, one thing is clear: Traoré’s fight is far from over — and so is the danger surrounding him.
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