“Captain Ibrahim Traoré: Why They Want Him Dead, the Millions Offered, and the People’s Fierce Fight to Protect Him”

Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the transitional president of Burkina Faso, has become a central figure in Africa’s struggle for sovereignty and self-reliance. His leadership has shaken the established order, challenging both internal and external powers that have long benefited from Burkina Faso’s instability and dependence. The threats to his life, the substantial sums offered to assassinate him, and the passionate defense mounted by his people reflect deep-rooted tensions between neocolonial interests and a new vision for African autonomy.

Traoré’s rise to power in September 2022, following a coup against Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, signaled a new era. His government’s decision to expel French forces, end exploitative agreements, and strengthen ties with Russia and other non-Western allies disrupted the traditional geopolitical balance in the Sahel. These moves, especially the rejection of the CFA franc and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with Mali and Niger, angered powerful international actors accustomed to exerting influence over Burkina Faso’s resources and politics.

At the heart of the plot to kill Traoré lies his defiance of neocolonial control. His bold reforms have reclaimed national wealth, particularly in the gold sector, by halting the export of unrefined gold, building a national gold refinery, and nationalizing key mines. These efforts deprived foreign powers of billions in potential profits. Moreover, Traoré's push for financial independence—rejecting loans from the IMF and World Bank and paying off local debts—undermined global institutions that often tie financial assistance to political concessions.

In April 2025, the most alarming assassination plot to date came to light. Reports revealed that plotters, allegedly connected to foreign interests, offered a staggering $5 million in cash to Traoré’s personal guards to assassinate him in his sleep. The sum illustrates the lengths to which these forces are willing to go to remove him from power. Unlike previous attempts, this plot sought to exploit personal proximity and trust, recognizing the challenges of breaching Traoré’s increasingly tight security. However, the plan backfired spectacularly when his guards, demonstrating unshakable loyalty, exposed the bribe instead of accepting it. This betrayal of the plotters' expectations reinforced Traoré’s faith in his team and led to sweeping changes in his personal security detail, prioritizing loyalty over seniority.

The foiled assassination attempt only deepened the divide between Traoré’s supporters and his adversaries. Far from weakening his resolve, the plot galvanized both domestic and international support. In Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets, waving national and Russian flags, chanting slogans like “Long live Captain Traoré!” Their message was unmistakable: any harm to Traoré would provoke fierce resistance. The phrase “If you DARE touch Captain Ibrahim Traoré, you will see!” became a unifying cry among Burkinabé youth and pan-Africanists across the continent.

Protests were not limited to Burkina Faso. Solidarity demonstrations erupted in Ghana, Liberia, South Africa, and even cities across Europe and the Americas. In Accra, Ghana, the Socialist Movement of Ghana co-organized a rally under the banner “Hands Off AES!” denouncing foreign interference and declaring unwavering support for Traoré’s vision of African unity and self-determination. The international outpouring of support revealed that Traoré’s struggle was viewed as symbolic of a broader continental fight against exploitation.

Traoré’s message to Africa and the diaspora reflected the high stakes of his leadership. He expressed gratitude to the peace-loving citizens and supporters worldwide, emphasizing the collective effort needed to defeat imperialism and neo-colonialism. His words were a call to action, urging Africans everywhere to stay vigilant and committed to the dream of a free, dignified, and sovereign continent.

At the core of Traoré’s popularity is not only his anti-colonial stance but also tangible reforms that have improved Burkinabé lives. He slashed government salaries, invested in health care, expanded agricultural programs, and pushed for national economic self-reliance. His decision to keep his own earnings at the level of a military captain while expanding support for civil servants and local farmers struck a deep chord among ordinary citizens who had grown weary of corruption and elite privilege.

However, his government is not without controversy. Human rights organizations have criticized the junta for crackdowns on dissent, including journalist arrests and media censorship. While many Burkinabés support Traoré’s efforts to reclaim national sovereignty, they are also watching closely to ensure that the promise of justice and freedom is fully realized.

The assassination attempts, particularly the $5 million plot, demonstrate the high stakes of Traoré’s presidency. His fight for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty challenges powerful interests that have long dominated African politics and resources. Yet the citizens’ fierce defense of their leader underscores a new era of resistance. Whether Traoré can navigate these turbulent waters to secure lasting peace and independence remains to be seen, but what is clear is that his survival and success are tied to the hopes of millions who dream of an Africa that controls its own destiny.