Russia's non-democratic system has increasingly influenced Burkina Faso, marking a shift toward growing Eastern Bloc influence in Africa. Disillusionment with Western powers, particularly France, has created an opening for Russia to establish cultural, military, and economic ties. Initiatives such as free Russian language courses, cultural events, and arms transfers have strengthened Russia's presence in Burkina Faso2. This influence reflects a broader trend of non-democratic nations gaining footholds in Africa.
Most democratically elected officials in government in Africa are rarely responsible. The reports that Burkina Faso has announced financial support of 100,000 CFA for all university students until they secure employment is the latest evidence that while democratic government is good, there are alternatives that could restore hope in governance, temporarily.
This educational funding is a significant step toward empowering students and addressing unemployment challenges, reviving the economy, and restoring trust in leadership. Every leadership in Africa should emulate this young leader: Africa’s educational system is rapidly becoming inoperable, obsolete, and unproductive. Students are, for the most part, vulnerable, discouraged, and frustrated—poverty-stricken.
Unlike his predecessor, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who displayed a lack of accountability and transparency—stealing and diverting huge amounts set aside for military finance and critical security infrastructure, leading to poverty and increased crime—President Ibrahim Traoré has implemented significant economic reforms that have positively impacted Burkina Faso's revenue and standard of living.
President Ibrahim Traoré has nationalized the gold mining industry. This has brought the gold sector under state control, completely redirecting profits to fund infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Many nations in Africa cannot even pay teachers. Teachers are currently on strike in Abuja, FCT. Even Nigeria’s oil sector is marred by massive theft and foreign influences.
President Ibrahim Traoré has cleared debt decisively. Strategic fiscal policies and increased revenue from resource exports enabled the government to clear Burkina Faso's $4.7 billion external debt. Unlike several democratically led African governments, Burkina Faso is debt-free within three years. This is commendable.
President Ibrahim Traoré has increased the nation’s budget despite debt clearance. Burkina Faso’s 2025 national budget reflects a 3.9% increase in revenue compared to 2024, amounting to 3,149.8 billion CFA. The budget is funded from local revenue, indicating financial prudence.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré came to power through a military coup in September 2022, ousting the previous interim president, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. Traoré justified the coup by citing Damiba's failure to address the country's insurgency problems. At the time, Traoré was just 34 years old, making him the youngest head of state in the world. Today, he has managed the insurgency with an iron fist, solved debt crises, improved universal health care, improved the budget, reduced taxes and poverty, and empowered students with encouraging stipends.
Under Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba's leadership, corruption was a significant issue, particularly within the defense and security sectors. Weak governance and lack of transparency in military finances and procurement diverted resources away from critical security needs. This undermined the military's ability to address the jihadist insurgency effectively, eroding public trust in the government.
With what is gradually happening in Burkina Faso and Rwanda, democracy is gradually losing its grip in Africa. Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar have grown massively without democracy. China, another non-democratic nation, has achieved remarkable economic growth and technological advancements, lifting millions out of poverty. Singapore, under its early authoritarian leadership, transformed from a struggling nation into a global economic powerhouse.
Is our hope in democracy being questioned?
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