Thousands rally in Ouagadougou to mark four years of Traore’s rule
Key Takeaways
- Thousands gathered at Place de la Revolution to mark four years since Traore seized power.
- Attendees highlighted military changes, development projects and Burkina Faso's first gold refinery.
- Prime Minister Ouedraogo paid tribute to the country's "heroes" and said "the struggle continues".
Crowds filled Place de la Revolution to celebrate the government’s record, honour Burkina Faso’s fighting forces and mark four years since Ibrahim Traore seized power.
Thousands of Burkinabe gathered at Place de la Revolution in Ouagadougou on Wednesday night to mark four years since Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power.
Crowds waved flags, sang the national anthem and watched military and musical performances as phone lights illuminated the square.
Strongman Iron Biby also joined the event, lifting a huge wooden log marked "four years".
Attendees praised the government's record, including changes to the military and projects being carried out across the country.
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“Today we have an army more powerful than ever. An army that is also equipped with heavy weapons, allowing us, in any case, to drive back these enemies who came to destroy Burkina Faso,” one attendee said.
Another participant pointed to projects across Burkina Faso's 17 regions and the opening of the country's first gold refinery.
“Today, Burkina Faso is self-reliant. Burkina Faso’s total independence is a reality. All of this is what drives Burkina Faso and what brought people out in large numbers tonight to answer the call,” a second participant said.
Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo described the gathering as a tribute to the country's "heroes" and an opportunity to renew momentum.
“This Night of the Popular Progressive Revolution is an opportunity to pay tribute to our heroes, but it is also an opportunity to recharge our batteries because the struggle continues,” Ouedraogo said.
“More than ever, we must remain standing and redouble our vigilance. We know who our enemies are: the imperialists,” he added.
The event was held under the slogan "The people watch over their revolution" and marked four years since Traore seized power on September 30, 2022, in Burkina Faso's second military coup that year.
Two days before the gathering, Traore inaugurated Burkina Faso's first gold refinery as his government pushes for greater control over strategic resources and more domestic processing.
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Burkina Faso has also severed diplomatic ties with former colonial power France and strengthened cooperation with Mali and Niger through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
