By Spy Uganda
In just two years, President Ibrahim Traoré has led Burkina Faso through a period of remarkable transformation, steering the nation toward economic self-reliance and infrastructural growth. With a bold vision for sovereignty and development, his leadership has inspired admiration across the continent. Here’s a closer look at the milestones achieved under his presidency:
- Economic Growth: Burkina Faso’s GDP surged from approximately $18.8 billion to $22.1 billion, reflecting a robust economic trajectory.
- Financial Independence: President Traoré rejected loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, boldly asserting, “Africa doesn’t need the World Bank, IMF, Europe, or America.”
- Budget Reforms: He cut ministers’ and parliamentarians’ salaries by 30%, while civil servants’ salaries saw a significant 50% increase.
- Debt Clearance: His administration paid off Burkina Faso’s local debts, ensuring fiscal stability.
- Industrial Development: Two tomato processing plants—the first-ever in the country—were established to reduce reliance on imports and boost local agriculture.
- Gold Mining: In 2023, a state-of-the-art gold mine was inaugurated to strengthen local gold processing and increase value addition.
- Resource Sovereignty: President Traoré stopped the export of unrefined Burkina Faso gold to Europe, keeping profits and resources within the country.
- Cotton Industry Expansion: Burkina Faso’s second cotton processing plant was built, doubling the nation’s capacity. A National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing was also launched to empower local cotton farmers.
- Cultural Sovereignty: He banned the wearing of British-style legal wigs and gowns in local courts, replacing them with traditional Burkinabé attire, a move symbolic of cultural pride and independence.
- Agricultural Prioritization:
- Over 400 tractors, 239 tillers, 710 motor pumps, and 714 motorcycles were distributed to boost production and rural support.
- Improved seeds and other farming inputs were provided to enhance agricultural yields.
- Agricultural Output:
- Tomato production rose from 315,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 360,000 metric tonnes in 2024.
- Millet production increased from 907,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024.
- Rice production grew from 280,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 326,000 metric tonnes in 2024.
- Ending Foreign Influence:
- French military operations and media were banned, signaling a shift toward complete sovereignty.
- French troops were expelled from Burkina Faso, asserting national autonomy.
- Infrastructure Development: His government is upgrading roads, constructing new ones, and transitioning gravel roads to paved surfaces to enhance connectivity and commerce.
- Aviation Growth: A new airport, the Ouagadougou-Donsin Airport, is under construction and set to open in 2025 with the capacity to handle 1 million passengers annually.
Therefore, President Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership marks a bold chapter in Burkina Faso’s history. By prioritizing self-reliance, cultural pride, and sustainable development, he has laid a strong foundation for the nation’s future. His transformative policies, focused on economic growth and national sovereignty, offer a powerful example of leadership rooted in resilience and vision. Burkina Faso stands as a beacon of hope for other African nations striving to reclaim their destiny, thanks to President Traoré’s wise leadership. This is exactly what his brother Capt. Thomas Sankara was murdered for by blood suckers, the colonialists.
In a bold move of solidarity and appreciation, Pan Africanists across Africa and in the Diaspora, under their organization, Pan African Pyramid will gather in OUGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso to recognize and award Capt. Ibrahim Traori as the new breed of revolutionary Pan African leader leading Africa to self determination. The team, which is being led by the founding Speaker and Chairman Andrew Irumba Katusabe is expected to touch base on Wednesday morning in Burkina Faso.
