Embracing Hope and Leadership: My Admiration for Captain Ibrahim Traoré

Author: Mianon Ananassii

June 28th 2025

As a Black woman dedicated to educating Black youth in America, I am deeply inspired and uplifted by the extraordinary leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré. For those unfamiliar, he is the current President of Burkina Faso, and at just 37 years old, his tenure has become a testament to the power of youth-led movements and the potential for revolutionary change in Africa.

I'm a big fan of statistics, so allow me to share some recent findings. Currently, Africa boasts the youngest population in the world, with over 400 million people aged 15-35. This makes Africa the youngest continent globally. By 2030, young people in Africa are projected to make up 42% of the global youth population. This trend will continue, as Africa’s youth population is expected to surpass 830 million by 2050. Such a large and growing working-age population presents immense potential for accelerated economic growth and development across the continent.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré came into power in 2022, at a time when Burkina Faso was grappling with multiple crises, including economic instability and severe security challenges due to terrorism. His appointment has been a beacon of hope for many, particularly the youth, who see him as a representative of their aspirations for a brighter future.

One of the most striking aspects of Traoré's leadership is his emphasis on youth empowerment. Burkina Faso's youth population is predicted to increase by 42% by 2030, with 60% of Burkinabé under the age of 25. Captain Traoré clearly understands that the future of Burkina Faso rests in the hands of its young people, who are eager to contribute and lead. By actively engaging the youth in governance and decision-making processes, he is laying the groundwork for a more revolutionary and participatory society. This approach is crucial for fostering a generation equipped to tackle the complex challenges of tomorrow.

As an African American woman, I recognize the profound parallels between our struggles and those of the Burkinabé people. We share a history of overcoming adversity and empowering our youth to foster change. It is essential for us to uplift one another across borders. This is precisely why I believe in the concept of Sankofa—going back to reclaim our culture in order to move forward.

Burkina Faso is deeply respected for its rich spiritual and cultural roots. This photo captures a pivotal moment: nearing the close of my first pilgrimage, after meeting the revered Queen Mother and immersed in profound spiritual work.

Ibrahim Traoré is doing just that. He is demonstrating to the youth the inherent value of their culture by actively removing the influence of those who oppressed his people. He has successfully removed the French military presence from his country and is restoring traditional languages. He has even banned European-style clothing for those in government office. Furthermore, he has taken down statues dedicated to French politicians and changed street names to have cultural significance for his people. Through these initiatives, he is educating his people about the significance and value of their culture and traditions. But he isn't just providing education and awareness; he is driving economic initiatives that give the growing youth true market power.

I also strive to empower our African American youth by educating them on the value of African culture. My aim is to build a bridge of knowledge, cultural strength, economics, and support. As Malcolm X powerfully stated, "Africans around the world will never be respected unless the Mother (Africa) is respected."

The future of Africa is unequivocally in the hands of its youth, and Captain Traoré embodies this mission. Just as he is leading the charge for change in Burkina Faso, he is also working to unite other African countries to do the same. We, too, have a vital role to play in supporting this movement of self-liberation across the African continent.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré embodies the spirit of resilience and hope for the people of Burkina Faso. His accomplishments in economic independence and youth empowerment are paving the way for a brighter future. As an African American woman, I proudly stand in solidarity with him and the Burkinabé people, recognizing that our paths are intertwined. 

Let us embrace the call to action to empower the youth in the Diaspora, uniting our efforts to support African liberation. Together, we can build a future where all African people can thrive, free from oppression and full of hope. Captain Traoré’s leadership inspires me to believe that change is possible, and with our collective efforts, we can make that change a reality.

“We are seeing this resistance in Africa... and it is the fruit of the awakening of the people who say 'Africa must be free, Africa must take its destiny into its own hands.'"
~Captain Ibrahim TraoréVarious speeches

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