Ibrahim Traore: podcast appearances and interviews

Ibrahim Traoré, born on 14 March 1988 in Kéra, Burkina Faso, is a military officer and politician serving as the interim president of Burkina Faso since he led a coup in September 2022. He graduated from the University of Ouagadougou in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in science and geology and subsequently joined the Burkina Faso Armed Forces. Traoré received military training abroad, reportedly in Morocco and France, and gained experience in counter-terrorism during Burkina Faso's jihadist insurgency. His military career includes deployment to Mali with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in 2019. Following his coup against Interim President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, Traoré became the country's second youngest head of state and was also recognized as the world's youngest head of state at that time. His leadership has been marked by a shift away from Western influence, including the expulsion of troops from France and ECOWAS, and increased alignment with Russia, Turkey, China, Mali, and Niger. He played a significant role in establishing the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Traoré's administration has taken a hard stance on political opposition and the press, including the unlawful conscription of critics, journalists, activists, prosecutors, and judges. As of January 2026, he has survived multiple coup attempts. His tenure reflects a period of significant political change and reevaluation of regional alliances.